Hey there, Monsters!
We are very well known for being spoiled, entitled, difficult employees… for me it even went as far as being called a monster. And you know what, this probably wasn’t uncalled for. Let me spill some tea about a reality check that hit me like a ton of bricks.
One day many years ago, I realized I was the only person in the entire office that didn’t get invited to the corporate retreat. Mind you, this retreat was in the same city, so joining wouldn’t have been at a huge cost.
So, as I walked into the office that day and saw that I was the only one in the office, I started… well, fuming. I felt left out, humiliated, unappreciated, worthless… I know how this might sound – like first world problems. I didn’t get invited to a party, so what? But my mind and my body were telling me a different story. The one of betrayal. Perhaps it was the first time in my entire life, that somebody really didn’t care about how I felt.
So, we all know our generation is glued to our screens, hustling on Insta, TikTok, and whatnot, but deep down, we’re just a bunch of social animals. It’s in our DNA, you know? Back in the day, hanging with the tribe meant survival. Lone wolves didn’t last a day in the jungle. But fast forward to the now, and there we were, stuck with some outdated survival instincts, causing drama in the office like it’s a wild forest. This is exactly how I felt when I didn’t get invited to the event.
Picture this: your heart’s racing, your palms are sweaty, and you’re ready to fight or flee, but surprise, surprise, there’s no lion chasing you down the hallway. Nope, just a standard office snub that your brain’s blowing way out of proportion. I’ve been there, fuming at my desk, crafting a whole speech for my boss in my head, only to end up sitting there like a simmering kettle with no whistle.
But wait, it gets juicier. It isn’t just about social conventions. Science has a part to play too! Ever heard of the fight-or-flight response? Well, my body sure has, even if my office drama was more like a kitten than a wild beast. It’s like my system’s got no chill, releasing all these stress hormones, making me feel like I’m in some survival mode reality show, even though I’m just a cog in the corporate machine.
The big disappointment came when I joined the workforce. To my detriment, I was frequently overlooked as the newcomer—meaning I hadn’t been with the company long enough to be considered important. At home, my parents were so supportive that my struggles, issues, and problems were theirs as much as they were mine. At work, my managers would throw me in a shark tank and expect me not only to survive, but to make the sharks follow my lead.
At home, I had rights. At work, I had to earn my privileges. It was tough. I once had a harsh discussion with a senior executive who believed that home office days for junior employees should be earned with time. I believed they should be a basic right for everybody. Back then, we agreed to disagree. In hindsight, with the changes that work-from-home brought during the COVID pandemic at the workplace, it seems like I won the discussion. But, hey, I will tame my ego and I won’t gloat.
Are you still following? Because the moment of truth has come, my dears. I have been incredibly kind and considerate
with you so far, but now I must give you some tough love. Please fasten your seatbelts for this important announcement.
From the moment you join the workforce, you must be aware of these three fundamental rules:
Rule One: Nobody cares about you
Rule Two: The only success strategy is to prove yourself through work.
Rule Three: Read rule one and two again and let it sink in.
I know this sounds harsh, but it is true. No organization has this in their onboarding materials. You enter all soft and fluffy, and then, bam! Reality smacks you right in the face. You strut into your first job, expecting red carpets and confetti, but all you get is a cold shoulder and a stack of paperwork. Suddenly, your mom’s “you’re a superstar” pep talks aren’t cutting it anymore. It’s a whole new world out there, and you’ve got to earn your stripes from scratch. No VIP treatment here, just a hard-hitting truth sandwich to go.
No matter what you have been led to believe, monsters, humility a key component of New Age Leadership. Here is no way around it. And practicing it from the very beginning of your career is incredibly important for your career journey. Here are some small steps you could take now to get into it quicker:
- Active Listening: Take the time to genuinely listen to your team members without interruptions. Value their opinions and consider their feedback seriously.
- Acknowledge Mistakes: Be open about your own mistakes and learn from them. Demonstrating vulnerability and a willingness to grow sets a powerful example for your team.
- Share Credit: Acknowledge the contributions of your team publicly and give credit where it’s due. Celebrate team wins as a collective effort, showcasing the power of collaboration.
- Embrace Feedback: Encourage a culture of open feedback where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
- Serve Others: Approach leadership as a service to others. Support your team, offer guidance, and remove obstacles in their path, empowering them to reach their full potential.
- Stay Grounded: Remain approachable and down-to-earth. Avoid creating a hierarchical distance between yourself and your team members. Show genuine care and interest in their well-being.
- Admit Limitations: Recognize your own limitations and seek assistance when needed. Cultivate a culture where asking for help is encouraged and seen as a strength, not a weakness.
- Practice Gratitude: Express gratitude for the efforts and achievements of your team. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in demonstrating appreciation and building a positive work atmosphere.
- Continuous Learning: Foster a growth mindset within the team by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and development. Lead by example, showcasing your commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Value the richness that different viewpoints bring to the table.
So, take it from me, darlings. Building a successful leadership career is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to put in the work, show them what you’re made of, and earn those stripes with blood, sweat, and a whole lot of coffee. No shortcuts, no pity parties—just hustle and heart. And hey, one day, when you’ve climbed that ladder, maybe you can rewrite the rules, make things a little kinder for the next kids hustling up the ranks.
Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash
