The Quiet Performer vs. The Approval Seeker: Who wins ?

??♂? I’ve come across an interesting phenomenon: #employees who frequently run to the boss for petty decisions they could easily make themselves. Whether it's deciding on the color of a report or confirming a trivial meeting time, always seeking validation.

??♂? On the flip side, those who take the initiative, dive into their work, and seek minimal intervention from the boss often go unnoticed. They shoulder responsibility, solve problems independently, and only escalate issues when truly needed. This brings up a critical question: Is #visibility more important than #initiative ?

??♂? Yet, strangely enough, this independence comes at a price. When they make a mistake—no matter how minor—it’s amplified, and their hard work often goes unnoticed because they aren’t constantly seeking the boss's attention.

??♂? Good part It’s safer to get the boss involved in every step of the process, as it provides a safety net for blame if something goes wrong. However, it also stifles innovation, accountability, & confidence in one's own judgment.

??♂? Bad part Yet, when they make a mistake, their errors seem to stand out more sharply, often deemed unforgivable. Their quiet efforts, somehow translate into being #lowvisibility.

??♂? #Corporateculture often sends mixed messages. On one hand, we’re told to take #initiative and own our work. On the other, visibility and constant approval-seeking are what often get rewarded. Perhaps the bigger challenge is finding a balance between the two is all I can think of.

Author: Kishore Mondal