Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c655IR // #c655Synthesis

Taskmasters split into two types. Type 1: 'those whose role consists entirely of assigning work to others' — unnecessary superiors, the exact opposite of flunkies. Type 2: those 'whose primary role is to create bullshit tasks for others to do, to supervise bullshit, or even to create entirely new bullshit jobs' — the bullshit generators.

— In our words · Source: Bullshit Jobs (David Graeber)

[Use when]

Use to audit management layers: is this layer adding decisions, or just adding work? A Type 1 taskmaster can be removed (the team runs itself); a Type 2 taskmaster is actively harmful — cutting them removes not just their job but the bullshit they generate for everyone else.

[Why it matters]

Recognize it in the wild: a manager who contributes nothing but the assignment of work (Type 1), or one who manufactures busywork to justify their own existence (Type 2). The tell for Type 1 is 'if I weren't here, my underlings would be fine'; for Type 2 it's that the tasks they create have no purpose except to keep people (and themselves) looking occupied.

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