Cut through the BS and focus on What’s Real

by Sarinda Unamboowe

My corporate career now enters its 33rd year. Apart from the fact that many of you reading this were not even born, my career began at a time when mobile phones didn’t exist, neither did e-mail; most communication took place either by ‘snail mail,’ telephone or via what was then a miraculous new technology, the fax machine.

During this time, I have had the privilege of working in some great organizations under some inspirational leaders. On this journey, the greatest privilege I have had is to have been given the responsibility of ‘starting up’ two companies — one as a green field project and one a brown, both of which I am proud to say are considered global leaders in their space.

I hope to document the experience of setting up such organizations at a later date; however, this note is a reflection on some of the conversations I have had with many of the very smart people I have worked with and a common thread that has weaved its way through many of their thought processes.

I like to set up times to have chats with small groups of my colleagues. In one organization, it was to welcome them as new recruits, and in the other, to clarify the path the ‘new’ organization was heading down, and in both, to answer any questions they may have.

One of the common questions I would ask both groups was, “why did you want to work in this organization?” And the answer almost always something on the lines of “working for this group has been a dream of mine,” and “I want to be a part of the success of this company,” etc. I probe further, “what’s the real reason?” and usually I get a bewildered look back, but the truth is, we all have a deeper reason as to why we pick jobs. So when they persist with their answers of love for group, company or wanting to be part of a winning team, I look at them and say “that’s a lot of Bull Shit” and laugh, the looks I get are pretty comical.

This is not done with the intention of humiliating or belittling anyone, but it has been a method of ‘shock value’ that was used primarily to bring the focus on the true meaning of why we work.

We work for the betterment of our own lives. The fact is, we all have a deeper need that drives us to seek suitable employment and most times we lose focus on that. While it’s important to enjoy your job and to find fulfilment in that role you play, the true success of our effort is in achieving our personal goals.

Granted for some, this could be linked closely to the organization’s goals, but for most, it would link to a milestone they hope to reach in their life. Building your own home, being able to give your children a good education, traveling, buying a vehicle, or even ensuring health & safety needs are taken care of, are all priorities that we place in our lives. Therefore, while I perform to the best of my ability at my chosen job and ensure my contribution is relevant, meaningful and of value to the organization, I ensure I don’t lose focus on what’s truly my measure of success.

The career we chose is the vehicle we travel on to achieve our life goals. Our effort, commitment, skill, etc. in how we execute those roles, will, in a fair and structured organization, help us succeed and progress in our career, thus giving us the opportunity to stay on track with our life plans. If not, don’t hesitate to switch job roles or organizations.

Have a dream, have a plan, commit yourself to working smart and achieve success in your career, but never lose focus on the factors that true success is measured by — your life’s journey. Make that the ultimate barometer for all you do.