Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Corporate Success

What is it that make someone a success in the corporate world? What is it that elevates some people through the ranks quicker than other? What role does motivation and attitude play on the coporate success journey?

So what do you think?

2 Comments:

At April 16, 2006 at 8:30 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

It takes someone with courage, determination, and preservence to make it to the top. Most people don't see the top because they are to busy looking at themselves instead of how they can help others. When someone looses their selfishness and gains sleflessness then one will make it to the top.

 
At May 3, 2006 at 10:58 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Achieving success in the corporate world is quite different from achieving success as an entrepeneur.

Generally speaking "being your own man" is a quality that propels you along the path of entrepeneurship, while it is often a death sentence in the corporate world.

The irony is that the real mavericks in a successful corporation are usually only seated at the head of the executive table. However, they often get to that seat by being a "yes man."

Success as a corporate employee requires following the crowd and conforming to upper management's ideas and policies religiously.

Success as an entrepeneur requires being willing to stand against the flow of the crowd and follow your own ideas, passions, and drive. Those who learn to do that religiously, or with tenacity and discipline will meet with success. Not necessarily on the timetable of our choosing!

I've noticed in the corporate world, especially in middle management, that the "yes men" usually manage to survive the cuts and "reorganizations" but they never really accomplish much. They leave no trail. They have no legacy. They have no influence.

Think about the mavericks, the pioneers, the real change agents inside a corporation. The exact opposite is true. They rarely survive. They move from one project to another or more often than not, from one company to another. Leadership is oftened threatened by their innate ability to create change and "get things done." But, they are remembered. They are catalysts for lasting change and improvement. They leave legacies. They arrive on the scene quickly, blazing across the docile waters of complacency, leaving a huge wake behind them. One that simply cannot be ignored. They rarely get to pass back through the rough waters. They are moving on to the next phase of the race, while the "yes men" they leave behind find ways to claim credit for the new found successes.

Even though this seems a bit cynical, I really have no judgement for either. Both are needed. One is motivated by influence, improvement, and change while the other is motivated by safety,security, and steadiness. That's fine, but be warned. Learn to recognize who you are!

If you can't stomach the "yes man" attitude, prepare for the ride. Find a way to claim some credit for the trail of achievement you leave behind.

If you love the steady security of "things as they are" get ready for the trailblazer, because he is on his way. The executives and stockholders don't like to see steady and average returns. Don't feel threatened, though. Learn to see that when the rough ride is over, you'll still be there to hold the "new" system together. You will probably get a nice raise or even a sweet promotion and new title. The best corporate execs know you need that from time to time to stay loyal to the creed. And yes, you are needed. But don't forget, the mavericks are needed as well.

Hey, I know you guys will never publicly thank each other for your role in the company, but maybe at least you can give a slight head nod to one another as you pass in the halls!

Anonymous Corporate Surviver

 

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