There is an apocryphal legend that the word "deadline" indicated a physical line on the ground surrounding prisoner-of-war camps in the American Civil War. Simple message. Cross the line and get a bullet from the nearest watchtower.
These only applied to the soldiers wearing the wrong uniform.
When I learned about this origin story I began to notice how often the word "deadline" is used in American society. Try this out. The next time you receive a deadline from another person (work-related or otherwise) consider the following: is this person unknowingly trying to maintain a prison?
What does it mean to "work" in the 21st century? Do you go to an office? Work from home? Large company or small entrepreneurship?
