Is it a utopian fascination to think that a focus on corporate success is a key to personal success?
In other words, I wonder if personal success in your career can be a result of a focus on the success of the organization you’re working for?
If the company is your own, perhaps this really is a no-brainer. However, what if this is your focus as an employee? The owner, director, or (your) supervisor is likely cheering, “Amen” as they read this, but in this age of entitlement, leveling of human rights, and the uprising against colonization can a pursuit of success work in your favour?
What about karma, reaping what you sow, and the Golden Rule? In other words, what if you take the Golden Rule (treating others the way you would like to be treated) to its logical conclusion in the corporate world or the community marketplace? Or better yet (as an esteemed colleague pointed out) what if we treated others the way THEY PREFERRED TO BE TREATED? I recall times in my career when a supervisor would ask how they could help me to grow in my effectiveness and skills. It tremendously lifted my spirits and made me want to excel. Making a conscious effort to consider the needs of others (and more specifically, the needs of your organization) to succeed could be a challenge to consider.
In many of the organizations I have had the opportunity to serve and work with, this has been my perspective. As I would look at my contribution, I would ask how I could help in making this project, this department, or this company become as successful as possible. Why not? What do I have to lose? After all, if I was the person in charge wouldn’t I appreciate that commitment from my team?
However, the personal success or reward has not always been clear or realized. In some cases there have been examples of harassment, workforce bullying, and mere disrespect – NOT close to the commitment I was making nor the intentions I had.
Stephen Covey says that although we judge ourselves by our intentions, we judge others by their actions. If I take this to heart, perhaps the disconnect was between my actions and my intentions? Or is this fascination between organizational success linked to personal success more of an utopian ideal?
I say not. What do you have to lose in bringing success to someone else – even if they don’t respect you, reward you, or repay you? In the end, look at how you’ve used your skills, talents, gifting, and calling in life. Going through some struggles and adversity may just build your character and make you stronger for the road ahead.
How would an athlete feel if they lost their race or the game because they failed to stretch just a little farther or played a little harder? Give it your all and see how it will make you stronger and wiser.