I don’t know about you, but my computer sometimes sends off misleading messages. “File not found” may mean “need to restart and free up more memory.”
And companies also send off misleading signals. After awhile, I don’t even notice the messages I’m getting…I automatically make the correction without reading the warning.
Companies do this too. I’ve found that savvy careerists don’t even pay attention to the official messages. Today’s Wall Street Journal pointed out one example: “HR is here to help you” really means, “HR is here to minimize the company’s liability.”
Another: “We welcome creativity. We love out of the box thinkers.”
Or my favorite: “We really enjoy having you around. You’re so different from everybody else.”