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Business News/ News / Business Of Life/  Extract | Bound to Rise
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Extract | Bound to Rise

If you're looking for growth, this book suggests you abandon the 'ladder mindset' and adopt the roller-coaster modeltake risks, enjoy the ride

‘Roller-coaster riders’ stand apart.Premium
‘Roller-coaster riders’ stand apart.

OTHERS :

The workplace adventurers

Sunil Robert’s new book, Bound to Rise: Radical Ideas For the New Corporate World, starts with a simple premise: Work was never meant to be drudgery. To combat increasing stress and build a collaborative work environment that affords more people the opportunity to succeed, he suggests employees adopt a “marathon mindset". To grow in their professions, he recommends employees stop looking at growth as going up a linear corporate ladder and start embracing a roller-coaster model.

The New Jersey, US, based writer, who has previously authored I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior, explains what sets the workplace adventurers apart, and why they’re best suited to take the roller coaster to success, in this section from the chapter “From Racing to Reinventing". Edited excerpt:

Forget the ladder, think roller coaster. Traditionally, life in the professional world is represented by the metaphor of a ladder. But it is one of the most devastating tragedies in life to labour your way to the top of a ladder only to discover that it is leaning against the wrong wall. Forget whether it is leaning against a wall at all… today, the metaphor of the ladder is obsolete. In my experience, those who allow themselves to be guided by it spend a lifetime frantically racing up, and in the process stepping over the very people who labour for their success. As a result, while they go up firmly riding on the shoulders of their colleagues, they leave behind a debris of broken hearts, and a trail of resentful individuals.

Bound To Rise—Radical Ideas For The New Corporate World: By Sunil Robert, Westland Ltd, 167 pages,  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>295
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Bound To Rise—Radical Ideas For The New Corporate World: By Sunil Robert, Westland Ltd, 167 pages, 295

There is no pause button for those who are on the roller coaster. For thrill-seekers with a roller coaster mindset, each project, each assignment, each task is a “ride". They are not willing to play the waiting game, and are eager to get on with the tasks ahead. They don’t like to waste time sitting through mundane meetings. They would much rather keep hacking away at the mountain, no matter how large it seems.

On the other hand, the folks with the ladder mindset like to mull over things and play safe, making sure that their turf is protected, their boss’ turf is protected… In the corporate world, the dynamic ones who push for the surge ahead abide by the mantra: seek forgiveness, not permission. They can make things happen, just by asking the right questions and making the right moves. The ladder folks always cover their bases and play in defence, constantly asking themselves the question: Will I be blamed, if something goes wrong? Once they are protected, they breathe a sigh of relief, and only then make their moves.

The ladder folks never trust others and operate from a paradigm of insecurity and fear. The roller coaster folks ride on courage and an appetite for risk-taking, whereas the ladder type executives ensure that they apparently never fail even when they do not succeed. On the other hand, the roller coaster folks go for broke, and give it their all. They learn to fail and move on taking everything in their stride, and achieve a higher proportion of successes because they are constantly moving from failure to success without being ensnared by either result. If something does not work, they figure out another way by using the experience they acquire through their failure. The ladder people, like the prisoners in Plato’s cave, cannot deal with ambiguity and uncertainty, but the roller coaster folks thrive on tackling the unknown. The unknown has a mysterious appeal for them and they are forever delving into the future by painting their dreams with bold brushes.

The ladder folks cling to their positions and power structures whereas the roller coaster riders are willing to let go of everything from the past, in search of a brand new world. They are willing to relocate, reposition themselves and rewrite their roles for the excitement of a new journey. They are confident that skills can be learnt, tools acquired, and new programmes implemented, so they dive headlong into the vision painted either by themselves or by a leader who is another kindred spirit.

It does not mean that these riders do not feel the strong urge to quit, or stay cosy in their comfort zone. It is just that their urge to move closer to their vision is stronger than the desire to stop.

Hallmarks of an adventurer

Adventurers have a vision of their own. Because they have a purpose and a clear understanding of who they are and what makes them tick, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, they seem to sail through every situation with confidence. Adventurers are so clearly focused on their destination that they even enjoy the minor bumps along the journey.

Adventurers have a signature of their own. These roller coaster riders leave a stamp of distinction on their work. No matter how long or brief their tenure at an organisation, their work bears a unique, personal signature. They stand apart by their sheer zest, commitment and energy. As the years go by, their track record becomes singularly special, so you can expect a certain level of excellence and high quality output, if you have signed on an adventurer. They are always in demand because wherever they go, instead of resting on their past accolades, they contribute fresh inputs. Also, because they have a reputation to protect, they strive to deliver, and that sets in motion a cyclical pattern of continuous expectation.

Adventurers have a brand of their own. While they fit into an organisation like a glove, they always ensure that their personal brand is also built. It is not as if they are mavericks who refuse to be slotted, but they realise the importance of being a brand that carries the label of superior performance. A clear strategy plus conscious brand building takes them to the top… and they enjoy what they do at the workplace! They realise that every brand has a shelf life (as is the case with all products), and it is during that period they need to make themselves relevant and indispensable.

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Published: 13 Apr 2014, 05:04 PM IST
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