“Severance” on Apple TV+ is a dystopian storyline following fictional character Mark Scout and his colleagues as they try to figure out what their company, Lumon Industries, and their department, Macro Data Refinement, actually do. The team members are “innies” whose “outies” agreed to have a part of their brain severed. Therefore, when they are at work, they know nothing about their outside persona; when they are not working, they do not know how they make a living.
The series is a powerful commentary on the dangers of extreme compartmentalization in the workplace. Drawing lessons from the eerie world of the Severed Floor supports real-life leadership.
“Severance” Workforce Dynamics Replicate Real Life
Virtually everyone has worked with people similar to the “Severance” characters. The following are lessons learned from the severed floor:
Mark
Mark is the newly promoted employee who wants to maintain friendships with his former colleagues, who are now his direct reports. Mark’s team does not take him seriously because he is uncomfortable being tough and struggles to enforce his supervisors’ direct orders.
Lesson: Middle managers must clarify when team dynamics have changed. The goal is to lead the team to success while advocating for them when needed.
Irving
Irving is the most senior departmental employee but fails to take on leadership responsibilities. He enjoys the status quo and does not initiate change.
Lesson: Leadership must step outside their comfort zone and navigate change for business growth. Calculated risk-taking elevates efficiency and innovation.
Dylan
Dylan focuses on doing his work and nothing more. He enjoys competing to win company trinkets and finding the humour in challenging situations.
Lesson: Comedic team members are essential for stress relief. However, helping out when needed also is important.
Helly
Although Helly does not have to work and strongly dislikes her job, she will not quit and cannot be fired because her father is the CEO. Helly tolerates her team and dislikes their acceptance of the organizational secrets.
Lesson: Employees should not feel the need to prove themselves to others. Also, transparency and truth strengthen organizational trust, collaboration, and cohesion.
Seth
Although Seth is not committed to the company’s mission, he ensures everyone stays in line to please the board of directors. Seth covets his boss’s job and wants her to fail so he gets her office.
Lesson: Ambition is admirable, but not at the expense of others. Also, a lack of trust does not support advancement.
Harmony
Harmony does not respect her employees’ boundaries. She digs into their personal lives and believes the company has her back. However, Harmony gets fired and complains about the lack of company loyalty.
Lesson: Stay open to new approaches to leadership. Current methods are not always sustainable, and change is good.
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