Long ago, in a bustling corporate world, a group of fresh engineering recruits embarked on their professional journeys with bright eyes and high hopes, and I was a part of this group. They believed their batch was the best, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cooperation that seemed unbreakable.
As the years passed, they climbed the corporate ladder, and a subtle transformation began. The unity that once defined their group started to fragment gradually, and the distance between friends grew wider with each passing day. Doubt crept in, wondering if it was just a perception or a reality.
In the silent corners of my heart, I prayed it was just a feeling. But gradually, the truth became apparent. Some colleagues sought to cosy up to management to secure coveted positions and select places of posting, leading to changes in their behaviour and priorities. The younger generations emulated this shift, and the workplace dynamics evolved accordingly. Secretive, is the new word for the actions.
In the cutthroat corporate environment, it’s not uncommon to encounter individuals who are solely focused on their personal ambitions and career advancement. These individuals often exhibit several traits that set them apart. I was only hoping we would all be away from this corporate culture and make a difference as a young community.
But soon we felt, for some of us, the priority became the endless ascent in the corporate ladder, a choice posting, proximity to the management. They view their careers as a competition where only the strategist survives and quality takes a second seat. This intense ambition can lead to choices prioritising personal gain over ethical or empathetic considerations. The friendship and the closeness of the minds gradually evaporate and the corporate culture is seen as visible amongst the once close friends.
We become emotionally detached from our colleagues though externally we remain good friends but most see others as tools to be used to further their own goals, rather than as individuals with their own feelings and aspirations.
While networking is essential in the corporate world, some often engage in it solely to enhance their own status and power. They form alliances not out of genuine friendship but as strategic moves to advance their careers.
Unfortunately, some individuals are willing to step on their colleagues or subordinates to reach the top. They may take credit for others’ work, spread rumours or engage in office politics to eliminate competition and disregard the impact of their actions on others.
These individuals often have a short-term perspective. They may prioritize immediate gains and promotions, ignoring the long-term consequences of their actions. This can lead to a lack of loyalty and trust among colleagues.
These characters often struggle to build authentic relationships. Their interactions with colleagues may be superficial, making it challenging to garner support or trust when needed.
Empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence are often lacking in such individuals. They may not comprehend or care about how their decisions affect others emotionally.
Ironically, some of these individuals may achieve their career goals but find themselves lonely at the top. Their relentless pursuit of personal success may result in the alienation of potential allies and friends.
It’s essential to recognize that not everyone in the corporate world fits this description. Yet many individuals value meaningful relationships, teamwork, and ethical behaviour. However, encountering such characters may be heartening, but identifying them is essential to navigate such situations with caution. In the initial days, we were happy about the personal friendship, which has gradually changed and been taken over by the so-called corporate culture. This is nothing abnormal but not expected in the initial days of our career.
Those in positions of authority found themselves surrounded by eager colleagues, always ready to assist even in their personal matters, while those without power became isolated, their contributions overlooked. It was a stark reality that couldn’t be ignored. The weaker the management, the higher the number of flatterers.
The hard work and sacrifices made to build a cohesive team seemed futile. Loyalty wavered as people aligned themselves with those in power. It was a human characteristic, present everywhere, but it felt different from their initial perceptions when we began our careers.
One day, a retired CEO, once the centre of attention, made an unassuming visit to the office. The contrast was striking. The engineers who had once followed him and were ever ready to do anything for him now avoided, a poignant illustration of how quickly allegiances shift in the corporate world.
This encounter left a lasting impression on me, as I realized the importance of being prepared for solitude after retirement. People often failed to recognize that they too would face such a situation eventually.
I also faced these changes in the behaviour of people when transferred from one location to another. People from their previous workplaces began to forget soon, the help and assistance in working in various fields that were given them soon forgotten. For all, If they are posted without an authoritative position, they feel isolated. No one simply cares. Yet, if they come with authority, they again become a sought-after advisor for some other group of people and people running after them.
I was expecting some time to maintain connections, but the reality proved quicker than anticipated. Only a handful of true friends remained, who cherished relationships beyond corporate boundaries.
In this ever-evolving corporate landscape, what we learned about the value of resilience, adaptability, and cherishing true friendships has diminished and been replaced by individual goals only. Maybe all carried these lessons into retirement, where they found solace in the company of those few who had remained steadfast.
And so, the story of corporate life unfolded, a tale of shifting alliances and evolving relationships, reminding us all of the impermanence of power and the enduring significance of true friendships
It’s essential to recognize that not everyone in the corporate world fits this description. Many individuals value meaningful relationships, teamwork, and ethical behaviour. However, encountering pure-breed corporate characters can be disheartening, and it’s essential to navigate such situations with caution.
Ultimately, striking a balance between ambition and empathy is key to long-term success and fulfilment in the corporate world. While personal ambition can drive professional growth, it should not come at the cost of disregarding the emotional well-being of colleagues or sacrificing ethical principles. Building genuine relationships and fostering a supportive work environment can lead to more sustainable and satisfying career experiences instead of prioritizing climbing the ladder and ambition over genuine friendships and emotional consideration.
One day, all will be facing retirement, meaning genuine friendship and respect for the others will then be very badly missed.
Rajat
GuwahatI
16/09/2023
musingofrajat.wordpress.com 