What do you want to be remembered for?

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

This statement has made it’s way to me in various forms and ways in different phases of life. But, a conflicting thought constantly raised by my observations also keeps its recurring presence in the sacred space of my existence - The Mind.

In a span of the last 10 years, of witnessing - bosses, business owners, liaisons, officers, interns, aces, spades and whatnot, I may not remember them all by names but I do remember them in two categories -

a. Those who made me feel Good

b. Those who made me feel Bad

But is it that simple? Or something concerning? Or simply a case of - starting on the wrong foot. No, it is indeed complex when you observe it as a separate event/incident but when you try to understand it in a wholesome manner, it is as simple as spelling ‘FEEL’.

My professional experience has been majorly crafted around the set of people who can be defined as experienced, experts and veterans in their domain(in professional world’s definition) with occurrences of some freshers and rarely, few from my lot. These individuals are both cursed and blessed at the same time but sadly, at times their curse overrides their blessings. Here, blessings are KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE and the curses are EGO & INSECURITY.

The strengths that could make them the best of the mentors and most revered individuals actually end up turning into a blockage, not only for their surroundings but an office-wide culture favouring the development of a TOXIC & STRESSFUL environment.

No, I am not shying away from mentioning and applauding the ray of hope amidst this crowd of the above category i.e. MENTORS, NURTURERS, GUIDES. These leaders are not insecure, in fact, they are the embodiment of surety of their skills and knowledge. Surety to a level where they own it, they willingly hold hands, uplift, and provide growth and guidance without an ounce of hesitation.

Yes, I understnad that here your corporate training of all those million slides will kick in and bring up the superhero support i.e. HR and POLICIES, GREAT! But, is that an alternative to the fact that we no longer care about anything? That we just deny to lift our surroundings and choose to crib and cry about the wrongs without even understanding that we are also, part of the problem?

Dont interpret it as deniability of the recurring disinterest practised by the relatively inexperienced lot in the work and only focusing their gaze towards the perks and benefits they can reap, but let’s also acknowledge the politics of contemporaries, middle managers, and experts who at instances, are more driven to sabotage the whole project for their EGO than just accept and appreciate the efficient contribution of the youth in the projects.

The moral of the story is if you are honest to your core and work, BRAVO! You are a HERO! But, if in any way these glaring issues brought up here resonate with something that you recollect as an aspect of your personality, just think of the hard times the other individuals go through to keep up with this drill.

Be a little more empathetic, more human, more kind.

Remember, after a while, they won't remember your name or deeds but they will always remember how you made them feel.

Next time before you act to contribute to this growing stressful work culture, just ask yourself - What do you want to be remembered for?