And the award goes to!!!

Last Saturday, I caught up with some of my batchmates over coffee, and our conversations varied widely. We discussed everything from our college professor, who always seems to come up in our talks, to the benefits of investing in stocks or real estate, and shared updates about our work lives. Interestingly, the topic of work sparked particular interest, and many of us engaged in discussions about performance management, payouts, and promotions at our respective workplaces and more importantly "Behaviors".

Before you read ahead, here are three quick disclaimers: 1) Our group represented various industries, from Manufacturing to Hospitality. Therefore, my insights are not about any specific industry but are based on observations and discussions. You're welcome to have your own views; I'm not seeking a debate or agreement. 2) The opinions I express are my own and do not reflect those of my employer. 3) If any individual or a bunch of individuals come to your mind while reading this, credit your imagination, not my writing.

Have you ever pondered the wisdom behind the phrase, "The crying baby gets the milk"? If not maybe today is your lucky day!!

Welcome to office oscars a soap opera where the plot twists hinge on every dramatic outburst. The diligent unsung heroes? They're mere extras in this show. The stars are the drama kings and queens who can turn an ant hill into Everest with their theatrics. 

Picture this: your colleague, whose expertise lies in printer melodrama, throws yet another fit over a paper jam. Cue a full rescue squad, an empathetic pat from the boss, and maybe a ceremonial new printer. This is the tale of our times: the squeaky (read: noisy) wheel gets the grease—or in our case, the whole maintenance team. 

But why stop there? Consider the meeting marathoner: the one who insists every project needs a dozen meetings to “discuss the urgent issues” that could be solved over a quick message. Their endless tirades ensure they're always in the room where the decisions are made, even if those decisions are just about the coffee machine logistics. 

And then there’s the perpetual escalator. You know, the person who escalates every minor hiccup to the highest level of management. "Oh no, the AC is too cold? Better email the CEO!" These serial escalators have perfected the art of turning molehills into mountains. And guess what? They often get their way.         

Society's Drama Academy: A Broader View. Our society adores drama. From reality TV stars arguing over lost mascaras to influencers sparking worldwide discussions on the correct way to peel a banana—drama is lucrative! This penchant for exaggeration has inevitably seeped into our workplaces. Why settle for sensible, logical discussions when theatrics can prevail? The quiet high-achievers become unseen, while those who indulge in office drama garner performances worthy of an Oscar. Imagine if there were an Academy Award for the Best Workplace Meltdown.

Behaviors that Should Win the Golden Cherries: Time to flip the script and talk about behaviors that deserve standing ovations and maybe even some real rewards. Here are five professional behaviors that should be celebrated but often aren’t:

1. Consistent Reliability: Ever noticed how the person who actually meets deadlines and produces quality work rarely creates a scene? Their quiet consistency should be headline news, but alas, it’s not sensational enough.         

2. Collaborative Spirit: Those magical beings who bring teams together and elevate everyone's performance—they should be showered with praise. But where’s the drama in peaceful collaboration?         

3. Innovative Thinking: The low-key, innovative minds who solve complex problems without demanding fanfare are the true masterminds. Sadly, their brilliance often lacks the spotlight's glamour.         

4. Professional Integrity: Honesty and ethical behavior should be a given, but in our drama-laden workplaces, the upright professionals are the unsung heroes. Their integrity deserves more than a quiet nod of approval.         

5. Adaptability and Growth: Professionals who continuously learn, adapt, and bring fresh perspectives are invaluable. Yet in a world obsessed with the loudest voices, their quiet resilience often goes unnoticed.         

So here’s to the unsung, quiet heroes of the workplace—those who shun drama and just get things done. Professional diligence and serenity will reclaim their throne, and the true stars of the corporate show will receive their well-deserved applause. The office dramatists enjoy their moment in the limelight for sometime, but the true stars always prevail. Perseverance and discipline are the key to unlock the recognition treasure you deserve!!

#satireintheworkplace #dramavsprofessionalism #underappreciatedheroes #quietpower #perseverance #discipline