8 Sins of Corporate Careers

Thou shalt not Speaketh wrong

You are expected to remain quiet in acceptance of irrational decisions and haphazard processes or the lack of them rather, in most medium-to-large companies, especially in their cross-border operations in third world countries. Be smart, look for the right pauses to voice your opinion and make it count, make your point by pointing the most negatively impactful decision or process and instantly offer your best resolution.

Thou shalt speaketh the Truth

You should not speak the truth if it relates to the misdoings or mishaps of a colleague, or worse someone with a higher band/level. Either peer politics or sentiment or hierarchical pride will kill you, well, not kill you, but it might kill your job or your next appraisal. But, fear not of the truth and do not fall prey to the world of devilish lies. Find the right moment, in one on one casual chats, over tea, coffee or lunch, and/or, more preferably, over drinks, to utter only the solution not the problem, in friendly banter or in a moment of philosophical breath.

Thou shalt not Gloat

If you are excited about a new accomplishment in a project or some personal or creative feat, be happy and celebrate such happy moments with your loved ones or good friends. However, neither you should overstate your feat in words to your colleagues at work, nor your friends and family outside. It's generally a good idea to stay humble, or you know relatively humble, and just do the celebratory honors within your personal circle and not be boastful in your words and continuous excitement. Instead, use your controlled energy and channelize that toward more glorious feats or creative outputs.

Thou shalt not Lust

Do not, absolutely do not engage in romantic interests, and certainly NOT sexual acts, in or around your workplace. Again, it is advisable to not do so even in any public setting, other than the confines of your or the other individual’s home or a reliable shelter. Remember, even a legitimate relationship with public display of affection may be considered gloating, which thou shalt not. Also, there are two golden rules, as often said in movie slang: (1) you have to remember, or learn if you have a problem, to keep it in your pants, and (2) get a room if it comes to that point in a legit scenario.

Love thy Neighbor-ing Colleagues

No matter what hurdles you face at work, in your projects, or in a sticky situation where you have committed one of the above sins, you will, almost in any context, need the help and support of your immediate colleagues who see you, know you and share lunch or smokes with you. You may not always appreciate their ideologies or work ethics or their sinful behaviors, but ignoring them or denying their social calls may not be a good idea, for the present moment or for future contingencies. Be sure to befriend and be genuine in your friendships, and yes you are allowed to keep a slightly less coziness or distance from proven sinners or creeps.

Thou definitely shalt never Sloth

Be proactive, energetic and dynamic, on top of all your work affairs. Maintain calendars, reminders and/or sticky notes to help you keep a track of your tasks and of yourself, and keep a check on distractions, even after factoring in rejuvenating recesses. Exercise, take natural remedies or medications in genuine medical cases, or do whatever it takes to help you achieve that zestful state of mind. Always remember to be wary of your surroundings, your work amenities, your colleagues, your documents and your prioritized responsibilities at work, even when you’re facing personal challenges, because only you’re doing 100% well at work can you afford to balance your personal life’s challenges, and trust me, your career, unless if its already board-member level strong, needs full attention for 10 hours at least, and wariness 24 hours, to be able to make sure your personal life or family never face any problems.

Thou shalt Toil or Plan, Not Complain

Either you are a hard worker or a smart worker, because you can naturally be either one of these, except if you have any clinical hindrance. In reality, you have to be both, or at least learn to be both, and this is the scenario when you either do not have the standing or have not cultivated the vision yet to create a viable option of your own, with enough contingency as backup and then some. Your encumbrance is only limited to your financial viability, or savings, and/or your timing of having the right idea or vision for your own venture with a quantifiable success forecast. Therefore, you cannot afford to crib about your past or your present, you either work hard and smart enough to secure a great career as an employee, or you plan enough to assure yourself a secure life as an employer.

Thy Caveats to Remember

With all the above sins, there are some things you should remember to adhere to, apply or practice (and preach). Be Diligent, even when you are not expected to. Be Compassionate, whether everyone around seem good, bad or ugly (by nature and ethics, not by appearance). Intelligence is imperative, be actually ‘smart’ where it matters - be truthful and point out issues and solutions, at the right time to the right people in the right way/s, and always know when and where to speak and how much to do so. If you decide to start something of your own, make sure you have sufficient savings or professional standing to do so, and of course ensure your idea is vetted and tested well enough against feasibility and profitability.

Alright now, have a great day at work! Chop chop!