Day 4: Work Wisdom

There was somebody at work who wanted to quit and I was asked to talk to the person to understand what went wrong and if there was any way to salvage the situation. In the course of listening and giving out advice, I stopped to think several times, just to make sure that I honestly, sincerely mean what I was saying and that it wasn't simply sugar coated philosophical drill with the only objective being retaining an employee.

I realized that the person had sent in the resignation note in an emotional fit because of differences with some team members. Alright, I guess many of us would have either done it or wanted to do that at some point in time, because really, who hasn't had differences with folks at work. 

Here are two things I reminded myself (and was part of the advice I doled out) over the discussion: 

1) Don't make big decisions during an emotional fit. - I am usually not guilty of this. In fact, I think my issue is probably the other way round - that I turn a matter over and over and over in my mind several times and for several days, before I actually make a decision. The only impulsive decision I ever make are about holidays - "Am so frustrated/tired, am going on a holiday to clear my head." Escapism, I know, but it works every time. 

2) Don't get so emotional for anything at work. After all, it is only a job - This took me a while to practice. I remember myself being a hot headed Assistant Brand Manager in my first job where everything was a big deal. But thanks to age and experience I think am pretty zen about work right now. It is pretty easy to do that if I think of everything as the company's project vs. my project but I hold myself responsible for what is right for both the consumer and the company. Things somehow fall in place much better that way. 

The introspection and conversation also made me realize the value of what I have - the fact that I am happy at work is indeed wonderful. I really enjoy what I do right now - the job scope, the people, the environment - all of them really work for me and I am so grateful for what I have! 

So today shall be the day I thank my stars for the job I have. 

And today shall also be the day I pat myself on my back for making a person reconsider a decision made under an emotional fit - the resignation has been withdrawn!

496 more to go.