(A Wells Fargo Christmas Carol)
’Twas the night before layoffs, and all through the bank,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a crank.
The severance packets were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Charlie soon would be there. The workers were nestled all snug in their dread, While visions of pink slips danced in their heads.
With managers clutching their KPIs tight, They’d just settled in for another grim night. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from our desks to see what was the matter.
Away to the window we flew in a flash,
Tore open the blinds and prepared for the crash. The moon on the br---t of the new-fallen snow Gave a luster of doom to the carnage below,
When what to our terrified eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight trembling reindeer. With a cruel little driver so vicious and snide,
We knew in a moment it must be Saint Scharf. More rapid than eagles his bullies they came, And he screamed and he shouted and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, you slacker!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! You’re all on the stack tracker!
Hit those story points or you’re off the damn wall!
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all! ”Rudolph stood frozen, his nose glowing red,
From pure te---r, not magic, the fear filled his head.
Santa cracked the whip with a sadistic delight,
“Move faster, you id--ts, or you’re gone by tonight!” The elves had tried “Wagile,” but it fell on its face, Scrum ceremonies turned to a bullying place.
No safety, no trust, just metrics and fear, So the toys never shipped and Christmas drew near. Santa bellowed, “Your job here is done!
You’re replaced by AI and some guys in the sun!
The reindeer team’s next if you don’t hit your quota,
Offshore to Bengaluru, Manila, Dakota! He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a roar,
And away they all flew, scared forevermore.
But we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to none, and to all a good night…
Tomorrow the axe falls.
Document everything.
Upskill tonight.
Run. My mission: fearless workplaces.
There is life after Wells Fargo—and it’s beautiful.
See you on the other side.