ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains how it is much closer to the truth to see both as commonplace, and symptomatic of the way we unthinkingly organise ourselves. It examines in detail how such narrow evaluations of what it is to be of value undermines trust in each other, triggering disruptive behaviour more akin to the playground. The book describes a range of democratic and ethical working practices that any organisation serious about the wellbeing of its employees must promote and discusses the clearest links to the fundamental motivators of emotional vandalism at work. It consider the existential arc of our working lives, and discusses the other things we do not talk about at work, including death, trauma, pain, and grief.
