Ever think large corporations have totally lost touch with reality? That they are in an orbit with which you are not familiar? That they all drink the Kool-Aid and speak the buzzwords because that’s how corporations actually act?

I know I do.

Here is an actual Help Wanted posting from a print product company. The job title was listed as “Editorial Manager – Writing Studio,” but you could hardly guess that from the job description:

(Company) is looking for an Editorial Manager – Writing Studio to join the Editorial Studios at our world headquarters in (City). The Editorial Manager independently directs multiple product development programs and editorial projects, continuously applying sound judgment and autonomous decision-making skills to prioritize projects, resolve complex issues, evaluate complex secondary research and synthesize key research findings into product development strategy. This individual will review copy to ensure adherence to editorial quality standards, consistency of writing style and alignment with relevant consumer need and brand experience.

Other responsibilities include:

• New writing with teams to generate and facilitate springboards, brainstorms and writing activities;

• Communicate and collaborate with subject matter experts to elicit or assist in the development of distinctive points view on strategic issues;

• Participate in brainstorming and editing sessions with partners in research, product management, design planning and other thought leaders as necessary;

• Develop, manage and leverage relationships;

• Assist in the preparation of materials that promote effective use of knowledge publications and products;

• Monitor language trends, hot topics, and consumer trends in order to leverage this knowledge to enhance the distinction of relevant consumer products;

• Participate in product development projects and special projects as necessary;

• Gather internal customer feedback and monitor demand for writing and editorial services; report feedback regularly to the Editorial Director;

• Provide substantive editing and developmental guidance to editors and writers throughout the content development cycle to ensure the production of high-quality content that adheres to consistent standards;

• Coach editors and writers to facilitate professional development, continuous performance improvement and motivation;

This position will be responsible for implementing and helping to define editorial policies that ensure quality and accuracy.

Experience: The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in English, Creative Writing, Journalism or related field (Masters Degree a plus) and the following:

• A minimum 5 years of experience as a writer in a production environment is required;

• Strong grasp of editorial production procedures and understanding of steps in production process;

• Management experience preferred but not required.

Management experience may not be required, but decoding expertise might be helpful. Even with 35 years of experience, I am afraid of this job.

Remember: Corporate folks are your suppliers!

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If you’re planning to be in Australia next February, you may want to target Brisbane and you may want to bring a cool car with you.

Because Brisbane will be the launch pad for the all new Cannonball Run Rat Race, a 3,000-kilometer run that has been described as a cross between the famous U.S. road rally and the ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’ It actually sounds a lot more like any number of screwball Hollywood comedies, like “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” or the more recent “Rat Race.”

Somewhere at the end of the race route, a briefcase “crammed with cash” (Aussie bucks) will be hidden in a secret location. Here is how organizers are describing the proceedings:

“It’s a totally fun-filled, exciting, yet simple idea. Use your brains and your driving brawn to follow the clues, outwit your fellow competitors and find a hidden suitcase full of stashed cash. Only problem is it’s 3,000 kilometers away from where you start. The Rat Race is The Cannonball Run with serious financial attitude. It’s all about brainpower, navigation and the desire to win the mountain of money.

“Drivers will be given a key to a hidden locker, which is just their first clue. Where is the locker? And how to do they get there to grab the money first?

“Their task is to then crack the code given out at each morning’s check point and collect the five numeric codes which will then match up to a post code. The sixth clue will release the actual address of that post code and where the hidden locker holding the cash prize actually is. Simple, yet tantalizingly brilliant. It’s an event super-loaded with fun and has the potential for complete chaos and mayhem as the cars and competitors make their way down Australia in search of the money.”

For more info, check www.cannonballworld.com or contact Michael Porter at [email protected].