Resignation Is Not the Only Choice

Have you ever felt invisible at work? That no matter how hard you try, your contributions are overshadowed? I want to share a story that many of us might recognize—about a sales star, a silent contributor, and the impact of being overlooked.

Meet Vikram and Aisha.

Vikram was the star of our sales team. Charismatic, confident, and always in the spotlight. He closed the big deals, impressed clients, and received all the accolades.

Then there was Aisha. She wasn’t in the spotlight, but she was the backbone of our success. As an account manager, she built strong relationships, ensured seamless deliveries, and handled all the follow-ups that made Vikram’s deals successful. She never sought attention—she just did her job with dedication and heart.

But here’s the painful part:

Vikram took credit for every win. In meetings, he would talk about his deals, his efforts, his success. Aisha’s name was rarely mentioned.

He subtly undermined her work, downplaying her contributions. It wasn’t obvious at first, but over time, it chipped away at her confidence.

And when things went wrong? Vikram deflected blame. Aisha was left to clean up the mess, managing clients who were upset or deals that were falling apart.

The Impact on Aisha was profound.

• It wasn’t just about feeling undervalued at work. The stress followed her home.
• She started having sleepless nights and stress-induced headaches.
• The emotional toll was heavy—she felt drained and defeated.
• Her frustration spilled into her personal life, affecting her relationships with loved ones.
• She began to question everything: Is it worth it? Should I just resign and leave all this behind? She almost did.

But before handing in her resignation, she did something brave. She confided in a mentor.

That conversation changed everything. Her mentor listened—truly listened—and then suggested a performance review audit. The results were eye-opening. It became clear just how critical Aisha was to the team’s success.

For the first time, Aisha felt seen. Her confidence started to rebuild. The organization took steps to address the toxic culture, and Aisha realized that her value had never been in question—it had just been hidden in the shadows.

So why am I sharing this?

Because too many Aishas out there feel like resignation is their only choice. They struggle silently, believing that leaving is the only way to escape the toxicity. But sometimes, asking for help can change everything.

A Message to Leaders:

• Look beyond the stars. Recognize the silent contributors who make success possible.
• Create a culture where everyone is heard. Implement 360-degree feedback and regular audits to ensure fair recognition.
• Support your teams. Mentors and coaches can make a world of difference.

To anyone who feels invisible:

Your worth is not defined by someone else’s spotlight. Ask for help. Speak up. You are not alone.

Some suggestions to Prevent This:

• HR Audits: Regularly review team contributions for fair recognition.
• 360-Degree Feedback: Assess teamwork, not just individual performance.
• Empower Silent Contributors: Highlight behind-the-scenes heroes.

Have you ever faced a situation like Aisha’s or witnessed it in your workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s discuss how we can build healthier, more supportive workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. And if you're struggling in silence, don't hesitate to reach out to me or a Mentor around you—sometimes, the right conversation can make all the difference.

Till we meet again……

Please feel free to write your comments on the same or can be reached at [email protected].

Written by Taranjit Kaur Oberai