Unraveling the "Missing Tile Syndrome" in Our Office Chronicles

It is Monday morning. You are sipping your favourite latte, mentally gearing up for the week's big meeting. As you step into the plush conference room, something oddly out of place catches your attention. A lone tile on the sleek ceiling is slightly skewed. Amidst the grandeur, it becomes a glaring, niggling oddity. Suddenly, the room's charm diminishes, and that tile becomes a metaphor for life's (and career's) imperfections.

Imagine your career as a vast mosaic. Each tile represents milestones, achievements, learnings, and challenges. While most tiles are beautifully in place, showcasing your progress and contributions, there are occasional gaps… the roles you didn't secure, the promotions you missed, or the accolades that went to someone else. Now, which part of this mosaic do you instinctively focus on? If you are like many of us, it is those gaps that catch your attention. Just as that missing tile in the conference room becomes a focal point, the absence or 'lack' in our professional journey often overshadows our accomplishments.

Something is intriguing about those coffee machine conversations. Amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, stories unfold, mostly of what is amiss. "Did you hear about the project I didn't get?" or "Guess who is off to another conference without me?" In the heart of our workspace, the Missing Tile Syndrome is not just present. It is often the main character of our narratives.

Take, for instance, Rahul. A top-tier executive, he is the go-to problem solver in crisis, his team adores him, and his strategy graphs are the stuff of legends. However, he is consumed by not getting that international assignment two years ago. That one gap becomes his story's antagonist, shadowing his numerous accolades.

Rewriting the Script:

• Spotlight on Success: Next coffee break, spin a different tale. Share the project you nailed, the client who sent a thank-you note, or even the simple joy of wrapping up work in time. Changing the narrative can change the focus.
• The Plot Twist: Every time you brood over a missed opportunity, flip the script. View it not as a loss but as a plot twist, setting the stage for a forthcoming victory or valuable lesson.
• The Ensemble Cast: Encourage a workspace culture that celebrates everyone's achievements, making everyone a star in the office saga. This does not just divert from the Missing Tile Syndrome but builds a collaborative, positive story.
• Seek the Wise Sage: In tales old and new, the protagonist often seeks guidance from a wise figure. In our careers, this translates to mentors. Their bird's-eye view can offer perspective, helping us see our journey's broader tapestry.

Our office tales are dynamic, ever-evolving chronicles. And while there will always be the lure of the "what could have been," it is essential to remember that every great story has its challenges. The empty spaces in our mosaic make room for future tiles which are rich with colours of experiences yet to come. So, the next time you are sipping your coffee and that skewed tile catches your eye, smile and think of the fantastic stories you will weave around it. After all, what is a good tale without a twist?