Few Street Rules For Career Success
The world’s not a fairly tale and
life isn't fair. It’s not meant to be nice. So, if you are a dreamy eyed
college lad who has got his first job, there are a few things you ought to know
at the very beginning. Nobody really gives a damn if you get screwed, if your
feelings get bruised or how hungry you are. Everybody is too busy trying to
make a name and just trying to survive. It helps to be the good nice guy in the
family, but while in the streets, it pays to be cruel and ruthless. It’s not
really about being street smart but rather about being street-savvy. Smarts can
be learnt but being savvy is to know the rules and play by them.
Always keep your guard
up
Never let your guard down. In your
early professional life, you will come across people who will act like mangy
dogs, full of barks and empty threats, but no bite in them. You may feel
perturbed in the beginning and then feel inclined to laugh at their pathetic
attempts at intimidation. However, you must realize this one essential thing.
All these seemingly empty threats might just be strategically used to soften
you up for the real thing.
Stay out of arguments
If two guys in your organisation or
elsewhere get into a brawl (verbal, physical, mental), you might eventually be
asked to pick a team. Don’t be hasty. Go neutral and bide your time. Wait until
they've worn themselves out. It’s no use getting yourself shot in a fight
that’s not even your own.
Meet only when
necessary
A meeting should only mean one
thing. If people are heading towards the conference room, then there should be
a decision. A meeting that only sets you and your team up for another meeting
is useless. Meetings are, of course, important for arriving at a common ground,
but you certainly don’t need to book the conference room every three days.
Maintain contacts with
the bad eggs
In business, it’s always good to
know a lot of people. Though you shouldn’t ever be seen with the so-called
rabble rousers and trouble makers (all companies have a few) but it’s good to
maintain a covert alliance with them. You never know how and when you may need
their help. It’s good to have a finger in every pie.
Don't be too proud to
retreat
If you ever face a difficult
situation that you just can’t win, do not expend your energies fighting merely
on principle. A situation might make you want to puff your chest out and say,
“I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I won’t this time too!” but think
about it clearly and realize that the effect this stance will have on your
career might not be altogether pleasant.
There's no cure for this thing called life, so it's best to learn certain
things early on. Nothing can truly prepare you for it, but if you keep your
head on a swivel, you'll suffer fewer "unfair" surprises.
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