Chicago Diary: Thought process and refinement

After my long deliberation upon how to move up the ladder, its time to focus on how to maintain high levels of internal energy to increase your chances of moving up the ladder. In my previous blog I stumbled upon using the word “Inertia” to describe my laziness i.e. failure to gain momentum unless acted by external force, but its time to take a fresh approach to the same thought process and refine it. In order to “move up the ladder” we could imbibe the other definition of ‘inertia’ i.e. to be in continuous motion unless acted by external force. A very naïve approach would be to meticulously work on a project until you finish it. Needless to say, that path of your work should offer you the innovative approach required. This translates to you loving your work so much that the external forces are miniscule compared to your motivation. In case of lesser mortals the scenario is a little bit different. They start out with high internal motivation. However, companies owing to restrictions of time, money and space are forced to impose deadlines, communication meetings, agenda verifications, timeline sheets and production schedule (though one has to understand that company is sincerely and honestly trying to bring the best of you). These external forces are sure to dampen our initial energy. Intuitively you want to excel in your area and enjoy the benefits. Paradoxically, though the company should be harnessing your inert (state of being in continuously meticulous mode) it is forced to impose external forces. Slowly and surely you are brought to a sedate and boring corporate environment. Now after the company had been successful in making you sedate, they try new techniques (like lunch and learn, supplier meetings, innovation partnership and others). So here is the million dollar question of how can we fit into this paradoxical situation?

In the converse model of inertia, the company apart from teaching models (to initiate drive in us), employs other recharging techniques like give bonuses, vacation, paid vacation and in very rare cases good health insurance. It is very different with everyone and a combination of one or two techniques usually works with most people. In another approach we can look at our physical work environment something similar to a planetary system, where company is the center (and source of energy). The company wants us to work like a planet in a continuous and predictable manner (irrespective of the path of the company). We need to continuously realign ourselves to fit to the path of the company.

As a summary, here are some age-old saying of work (say more tit-bits from people up the ladder) 1. Ask yourself if this is what you want to do for at least next few years; 2. Can you wake up everyday morning feeling excited about it; 3. Do you see the people around you contributing for your betterment? 4. Do you think you can make a difference if you continue doing the same job. These thoughts are worth pondering, and if you have answered yes for atleast 3 of those questions, then (as per second definition of inertial) it is more likely that you are indispensable to company and (depending on your urge) will move up the ladder. If you don’t have the questions for most of the answers then (as per the latter definition of inertia) you will more likely spent more time where you are right now or be exited for ever (oops….).