20 things I have learnt about working in my 2 decades of working

Jobs

1. Always choose a role over money. If you have the right role, the money and the perks follow. Ditto for titles
2. However interesting the company , if your boss is a jerk, move away. Fast.
3. Always shoot for the job/role which makes you slightly uncomfortable about your ability to perform it. And avoid resting too long in comfort zones
4. Choose breadth in your role. And choose those companies which you think will be the future winners. A rising tide lifts all boats.
5. Monday morning blues are real. The minute you stop getting excited about going to office on a Monday and dread it instead, it’s time to think about your career and what you plan to do differently/next.

Colleagues

1. Turf wars with your peers/colleagues are toxic. And don’t help you or the organization
2. If you can help your colleagues to do their job better, do so cheerfully and without expectation of credit or reciprocity. Else get out of the way.
3. There will always be the nay sayers and doubting Thomases. Your job is not to convert everyone. And it takes up valuable energy which can be otherwise deployed in more productive work.
4. There’s always something to learn, from each of your colleagues. Ask. Even if it makes you look incompetent and foolish.
5. Respect people’s time. And their space.

Self

1. Always always judge yourself by output accomplished rather than activity.
2. If you feel you deserve a bigger role or bigger paycheck. Ask. But be prepared to demonstrate why.
3. Cultivate mentors who care about you and your career. And take their advice and counsel.
4. Develop a passion. Acquire a hobby. Play a sport
5. Your health and your self-improvement is in your hands and your hands alone.

Team

1. Always hire people brighter and smarter than you. And hire for attitude always. Skill is a necessary but not sufficient predictor of fitment.
2. Doing a fair appraisal does not mean you reward equally. But it does mean honest feedback and genuine interest in the appraisee’s development agenda.
3. There is no such thing as too much recognition. Motivate and recognize frequently. And then some more. And the same goes for communication.
4. It’s ok to demonstrate vulnerability. Share more.
5. Be yourself. Be authentic. Always