I had cause to reflect on my journey through the corporate world, and I can't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions.
I experienced the highs of climbing the corporate ladder to the lows of being retrenched and navigating through the treacherous waters of boardroom politics, and every experience has left an indelible mark on my professional and personal growth.
I have taken 10 invaluable lessons learned along the way:
Resilience is Key: The corporate world can be ruthless, and setbacks are inevitable. But it's not about how many times you fall; it's about how many times you get back up. Resilience is the cornerstone of success in the face of adversity.
Authenticity Trumps Politics: In a world where boardroom politics can sometimes overshadow meritocracy, staying true to your values and principles is paramount. Authenticity not only earns respect but also builds trust among colleagues and superiors. The reality is authenticity is not always rewarded, as I sacrificed my position as a result of being authentic, they payoff for me was my ability to look myself in the mirror for being authentic, while others were playing and acting out agendas.
Embrace Change: The only constant in the corporate world is change. Whether it's adapting to new technologies, market trends, or organizational restructuring, those who embrace change are the ones who thrive.
Invest in Relationships: Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships. Building a strong professional network not only opens doors to opportunities but also provides support during challenging times.
MWS: I was taught an established phrase coined in the South African corporate world, called Mediocre White-man Syndrome. The phrase postulates that our white male counterparts are rewarded for mediocrity, and I have experienced many instances of this phenomenon. The pay-scale discrepancy is already an issue in corporate when it comes to white males, and the added challenge of out-performing them and watching them get rewarded above everyone else was particularly soul destroying.
Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: In a bottom-line-driven environment, it's easy to get bogged down by problems. However, focusing on solutions instead of dwelling on problems is what sets effective leaders apart.
Adopt a Staff-First Approach: While profitability is important, prioritizing the well-being and development of employees is equally crucial. A staff-first approach fosters loyalty, motivation, and ultimately, long-term success. The sad thing is that I was extremely unpopular with my management peers for taking this approach.
Navigate Office Politics with Grace: Office politics can be daunting, especially when agendas turn sinister. Learning to navigate these murky waters with grace, tact, and integrity is a skill worth mastering.
Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone: Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone to success. Each failure brings valuable lessons and insights that propel us forward on our journey.
Never Lose Sight of Purpose: Amidst the chaos of the corporate world, it's easy to lose sight of our purpose. Whether it's making a positive impact on society, fostering innovation, or simply finding fulfillment in our work, staying connected to our purpose fuels passion and perseverance. I nearly lost my purpose, but I started realizing that I didn't like what I was becoming at a point in time, and that put me back on track.
As I look back on my time in the corporate world, I'm grateful for the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Each experience has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I'm ready to tackle whatever the future may hold, armed with these invaluable lessons. I have found peace away from corporate, and that is worth more than all the money that could be thrown at me.
I find it sad that the corporate world has lost it's soul, and that so many who are enticed by it's lures tend to lose their souls as well in the pursuit of power and money.
Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was work in corporate, and I have tv series like Dynasty and Suits to thank for that, but sadly the reality is nowhere near the glossy screen portrayals where good always wins out in the end. I have seen corporate swallow people whole and spit out soulless broken beings when their utility had expired or they would not conform to the sinister and harmful agendas to be played out.
Hey! It's not called the corporate jungle for nothing!
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