A number of years ago I had a colleague with a special talent. She had the ability — and maybe a special honing device — that allowed her to quickly identify and make a beeline for the most important person in the room. We often teased her that she had probably hit the bottom of the barrel if she found time to talk to us during special events.
Unfortunately, she was not the exception. Too many people, in too many organizations, feel the urge to identify with, “power up,” and get face time with the people who matter. I am not sure if it is driven by insecurity, incompetence, or it is a force of habit. Maybe it is aspiring to belong to a reference group through association. I certainly have more respect for those who focus on the task at hand.
The real irony is that the charade is obvious to the people in positions of power, and sadly enough to everyone else. It’s like trying to play poker with your cards facing up during the entire deal. It is a sure-fire way to lose the respect of the power brokers, and more importantly, of your colleagues.
The people who get the greatest recognition and rewards in our small company are those who quietly go about their work and believe in their own abilities. Time to stop playing games, and getting back to work. The cream will rise to the top.
About Hemant Rustogi