Wisdom for Life December 2008
What is true leadership in the workplace?
We might think to ourselves: “In my work place I have shown great leadership and I perform better than others. So, I should be in an important position by now…” However, the truth of the matter is that none of us are in more important positions at work despite what we think of our leadership skills. As a result, we may not get along with our co-workers or we want to quit that job and walk out, but we are unable to because we need the income to support ourselves and our families. Therefore, many people find themselves between a rock and a hard place: they hate their job but cannot quit.
We all want things to go our way. Let us assume that ten people are running for president. All ten of them want to be the president but only one can be elected. Even if all ten of them pray to a God or Buddha, there still can only be one president. To have everything fall in one’s own favor is impossible. If one’s goal is to be the president then that person has to put forth their best efforts to get the support of the people. However, if one tries his/her best and does not get elected, then he/she must acknowledge the truth and accept reality. The same applies to the work place. If I try my best to get a promotion and I do not get it then I have to accept the fact it is either caused by me not putting in my best effort or that I did put in my best effort and the person in charge of promoting was in need of someone with different skills. If we agonize over rejection thinking “I am not good enough or God or Buddha did not bless me” we are only harming ourselves.
Do the work that others refuse to; do a job that pays less
If we consider ourselves as practitioners of Dharma then we need to have the mindset of a Bodhisattva in our work place. “What are the things nobody wants to do? Which department has the greatest workload, is the least popular and pays the least? I should do that job.” Apply for that job. Why? because I am a Bodhisattva. “Which department is least popular? Please transfer me to that department.” With this kind of attitude even if you are selected for a promotion, you are able to go to your boss and say “I’m really grateful for this opportunity, but if by chance there is someone else more qualified, I urge you to reconsider.” If we go to work with this kind of flexibility then our worries will disappear. If instead, we agonize over the fact that we are not in a prominent position at work, then we may ask ourselves “why don’t my co-workers suggest me for a promotion? Why doesn’t my boss recognize my talents? I was talented when I was young, why am I so useless now?” We end up hating our bosses, becoming embittered towards co-workers and hating ourselves, which is useless thing to do. This is same as a farmer who does not sow seeds to grow and then complains when there is nothing to harvest. Just take it easy and take the slow path to success. Going slow does not mean being lazy. The faster you reach the top the faster your decline will be, because once you reach the top, there is nowhere to go but down. Therefore, the earlier you get there the earlier you will inevitably come down as well.
Concession and Consideration, Characteristics of Leadership
Doing our best at work and offering the best opportunities to others is the mark of the true leadership qualities of concession and consideration. These people are always popular at work. Popularity is a sign of developing leadership skills. If you posses leadership qualities then others will surely recommend you for promotion and higher-ups will take notice of your potential. As long as your intentions are to work hard and be good to your peers, success will follow, even when you least expect it. At the same time there are those that are opportunistic and try to be on their boss’ good side without actually doing anything. These people sometimes look as though they are reaching towards higher positions quickly, but when they are in a position that demands qualifications that they do not meet, then that position becomes a heavy burden. Over advertising one’s qualifications never produces satisfactory results.
My advice to you is that if your talent is a 10 then advertise it as an 8 to others. This is the path to an easier life. If your talent is a 10 but others rate you as a 5, do not worry. If their expectations of you are low, they will not criticize you as much. If people underestimate you and you exceed their expectations in a time of crisis then you will gain recognition from your peers. However, if you play up your talents to be a 12 rather than a 10, then your actual abilities will be tested and failure will result in being shunned by people for fabricating your qualifications and thus you will be passed over in important future projects.
From now on, change the way you think and appreciate the job you already have. ‘I must have acquired many good merits in my past life for me to be so fortunate to have this job.’ Think this way and accept your current situation as a fortunate one. Instead of having a mind that seeks to blame, have a mind that seeks to appreciate. “Buddha, I am thankful to have a job which pays me because there are many out there who don’t even have jobs. Thank you.” We have to change our lives at work and be thankful and considerate to others. If you respect to your boss, love your peers and lend a helping hand to newcomers then your whole world changes. Then you might even experience a miracle and be sought after by other companies. Then you can humbly decline if you choose to. The idea is to not just work for the financial gain.
Going to work should be fun
If you have no stress from work then you will be relaxed at home too. Going to work should be fun and only then can you be a good spouse and good parent. Then you will have a happy home and be loved by your peers. To live this life is possible. From now on, if an opportunity for promotion arises then concede to others. If upon concession your boss insists that you accept it, then go ahead and do so. “Thank you for this opportunity. I will try my best.” If you end up accepting the promotion after you have already declined it, then there will be no reason for your peers to feel envious and your mind will also be at ease. Instead of contemplating on quitting your current job consider it as something dear to you. There are many people who want to work but cannot find a job, so consider their situation and be thankful for currently having a job. Your salary does not dictate the value of your job.
Furthermore, be considerate to your peers and should something like an important project arise, concede it to someone who could really benefit from the opportunity and you will earn their respect. When newcomers have questions, answer them and help them to the best of your ability. Then they also will respect you. Be humble to your superiors. To be humble means that you do as they ask but it does not mean be subservient. It means respecting and honoring to them. If you do that then your job will be much more enjoyable. If you are happy at your job, your family life will also be happy. Spending extra money for private tutors for your children, or buying them expensive gifts does not necessarily mean being a good parent. A harmonious marital relationship is the best gift you can give to your children. I hope that knowing this truth can help you enjoy your job and live stress free.
