The OW Factor1d ago

Finishing

#Family
#PoliticalDiscontent
#ToxicWorkplaces
#Teaching
#HigherEducation
#BibliographicMetadata
#Librarianship
#MentalHealth

https://theowfactor.org/2026/05/07/finishing/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Finishing

Many things are finishing, such as my teaching for the spring semester. Last night was the final class of the course I’ve been teaching. Although I intended to focus on explaining linked data, BIBF…

The OW Factor
The OW Factor2d ago

Outstayed my time

#Dysfunction
#AcademicLibraries
#ToxicWorkplaces
#HigherEducation

https://theowfactor.org/2026/05/06/outstayed-my-time/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Outstayed my time

Someone asked me yesterday how many days I had left at my current workplace. I blurted out: “Too many!” It was a little embarrassing because my response was so unfiltered, but it reflects the truth…

The OW Factor
The OW FactorMay 1

When you have a nincompoop for a boss

#BadManagers
#Dysfunction
#ToxicWorkPlaces

https://theowfactor.org/2026/05/01/when-you-have-a-nincompoop-for-a-boss/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

When you have a nincompoop for a boss

Over the course of 35 years, I have had my fair share of bosses. Although it might read like I’m super judgy, most of them have not been very good. There are some, though, who were outstandin…

The OW Factor
The OW FactorApr 30

Forward and backward

#Teaching
#ToxicWorkplaces
#Dysfunction
#PhysicalHealth
#Librarianship
#HigherEducation
#RemoteWork

https://theowfactor.org/2026/04/30/forward-and-backward/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The OW FactorMar 19

Calculations and consequences

#Cleaning
#Commuting
#Dysfunction
#ToxicWorkplaces

https://theowfactor.org/2026/03/19/calculations-and-consequences/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Calculations and consequences

Lately, as part of what I’m starting to jokingly think of in my head as The Long Goodbye, I have been reviewing many aspects of the past 14 1/2 years of work. This includes thinking through what to…

The OW Factor
The OW FactorNov 2, 2025

A jackass for a boss

#Advice #Dysfunction #ToxicWorkplaces

https://theowfactor.org/2025/11/02/a-jackass-for-a-boss/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

A jackass for a boss

We all encounter bosses who have obviously failed up, and they are relatively easy to spot. I’ve encountered many examples of this in my own career. The following list might be helpful to sha…

The OW Factor
The OW FactorNov 1, 2025

Looking for unicorns

#AcademicLibraries #Dysfunction #JobRetention #JobSearch #Libraries #ToxicWorkplaces

https://theowfactor.org/2025/11/01/looking-for-unicorns/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The OW FactorSep 26, 2025

Grief and headaches

#Dogs #Dysfunction #Grief #ToxicWorkplaces #Teaching

https://theowfactor.org/2025/09/26/grief-and-headaches/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Grief and headaches

As expected, we continue to grieve Teddy’s death. The day he died, we packed up his crate and his things and put them away because I couldn’t bear to see them as a visible reminder that he’s gone. …

The OW Factor
cariborden3Sep 24, 2025

Brainstorming is supposed to spark innovation, but in toxic organizations? It’s just theater with Post-its. 🎭

Here’s how to spot performative brainstorming, and how to flip it back into a real tool for creativity and team buy-in.

👉 Great ideas don’t die from lack of creativity. They die from lack of courage.

#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #Innovation #ToxicWorkplaces

http://leadboldly1.blog/2025/09/24/when-brainstorming-becomes-a-performance-review-in-disguise/

When Brainstorming Becomes a Performance Review in Disguise

Written By Cari Borden We’ve all been told that brainstorming is the magic ticket to innovation: gather a team, fill a whiteboard with wild ideas, and suddenly you’ve unlocked creativity at scale. …

Lead With Your Heart
The OW FactorSep 12, 2025

A misty moisty morning

#AcademicLibraries #AI #Dysfunction #Encouragement #Evil #Family #HigherEducation #Injustice #Librarianship #LibraryScience #LowMorale #News #Pessimism #Politics #Students #Teaching #ToxicWorkplaces #Weather

https://theowfactor.org/2025/09/12/a-misty-moisty-morning/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

A misty moisty morning

My grandma used to talk about “a misty, moisty morning.” That is what we have today where I live. It reminds me of her and how much she meant to me and how much she influenced my life. My time with…

The OW Factor