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Is it possible to act purposefully in the corporate world?
My last two posts were recollections of times when I and another exec. acted a little blindly to further the company’s interests, pushing ourselves or others beyond what should have been expected. At the time, we both thought we were being good corporate warriors worthy of praise, to which we would have replied:”Just doing my job.”
Fact is, most of us didn’t get the praise but we’re pretty sure we would have been criticized if we hadn’t gone the extra mile. So how could we have broken the “expectation mold” without causing ourselves some career grief?
There are two parts to answering this question. The first involves making a choice, the second, managing that choice. To make a choice, we first have to be aware there is a choice to be made.
Let’s face it, a lot of the time we drive ourselves at full speed throughout the day, taking one action after another, without really asking ourselves whether we are making the best choice. Sure at one point we might have gone through a formal or informal planning exercise, but then our focus turns to meeting goals and getting things done. We don’t have time to constantly second guess ourselves. Not only that, wouldn’t appearing indecisive be the kiss of death to our reputation?
True, but the corporate culture has tended to glorify the decisive, quick-on-the-draw archetype to its detriment. Managers of all levels tend to forget “why” they are taking the actions. What are we wanting to accomplish here? Not just at a superficial level, but also ultimately.
Only when we stay aware of the “why’s”, can we spot the times when the course of action is no longer advisable or when it serves the superficial purposes to the detriment of the ultimate ones.
I know that if I could relive my career, I would make sure to never start a day without reflecting on my (and my employer’s) goals and on how my day’s action plan serves them. I would think of the “whys” rather than mainly the “hows”. No matter how rushed I feel.
Sounds simple, but resisting being pulled into the vortex of frenetic activity (or frenetic thinking) isn’t easy. It’s a discipline and a mindset.
Ok but what if my reflection leads me to a conclusion that would go against the usual grain of my corporate culture?
As they say on TV, to be continued…on the next post.
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