We had this. Except when a question about an insane policy was raised, it got turned into insubordination;
PHB: We need to do this to lean the process.
Me: I don't understand. That's not going to make the process any leaner. That creates three extra trips into the lab every time we do it.
PHB: So, you're saying that you don't support lean processes?
Me: ...
I'm way to honest to work. I used to get bugged about "looking busy" when I worked at a print shop and there were long periods with nothing to run on the press. That look busy stuff is so phony, I just couldn't lower myself to that level. Much better to do something productive, and for its own sake.
Give Wally a piece of paper to carry as well as his coffee mug and he will look extremely busy.
And it is true that the busy-looking ones get ahead with the bosses. I have tried carrying papers around the office building,walking fast and a looking a bit stressed. Wow! I get compliments from the top rankers that never look twice at me otherwise!
I really like this one - nothing bothers me more than people who believe the perception of work is more important than actual work AND who are willing to help you in this pursuit. The comic is great, the last frame is the cherry on top.