What can workplace memes teach us about leadership?

More than you might think.

To celebrate 100 episodes of Management Muse, we have a special episode for you. The team pulled together a collection of workplace reels—from unlimited PTO policies to the trials of middle management—and challenged Cindi and Geoff to react to them live.

Some are hilarious. Some are painfully accurate. And almost all of them contain a kernel of insight into how organizations function.

Along the way, Cindi and Geoff unpack what these viral clips reveal about workplace culture, leadership myths, and the dynamics shaping modern organizations. Why do meetings multiply so quickly and how can they be reigned back in? Why can holiday bonuses spark frustration instead of gratitude? And what role do friendships, incentives, and workplace norms actually play in performance?

Come for the laughs. Stay for the science-backed insights that might just change how you think about work.

Episode Highlights:

The real role of middle managers
A radical meeting reform idea
How holiday bonuses can backfire
The dark motive behind unlimited PTO
Why your boss’ emails never have punctuation
Kombucha taps to nap pods: the office perk arms race

Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dtUwst_HnhM

Get your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook: 14 Strategies for Work Success in a Chaotic World here.

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Memes to Management Lessons: Our 100th Episode Special