Once a friend told me to come out from my comfort zone and start learning the critical skill in business. I thought to myself, I have a great job, why should I trouble myself? My mentor said this to me “You have a great job, but if were to be taken away, what you’ve got? “
He saw the crisis that I could not see then
He told me a story. There was sea snail, every time when he saw a fisherman trying to catch him, he hide himself inside the shell. He thought that this would be safe. But after a few days, when he stuck his head out to get some fresh air, he realized that the surrounding environment is totally different. He was in a seafood restaurant and there is a price tag above him - $50…
I am like that sea snail, every time when there is uncertainty and crisis, I just hid myself from the reality. But in the end, to the corporate world, we, the employee are but mere price tags
It is easier for you to look for alternative when the time is good rather than when the time is bad
In my work place, if someone were to be promoted, you need to have 2 out of 3 favorable majority from a board of supervisors. But just last month, with just one request from VP, an under-perform colleague was asked to leave the company. To get promoted, you need the approval from a board of many people. But for termination, just one will do the trick. Our future is at the stake of just a pair of thin lips…But through continuous learning, I have shifted back the stake of my own future into my own hand.
Only when you understand the business trend in the world, you could utilize your talent. Intel just lay off 5000 of its employee! Within these group of people, how many have had position title that other is jealous of? How many have had salary level that other is jealous of? Are they been laid off because of their performance?
Once a Taiwanese reporter ask the author of ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ “Should I improve my English language skill in order for me to move forward in my career?” The author replied “Do you think the beggars from the street of New York have poorer English skill than you?” It is very obvious that it is not about working skill. But many still cannot grasp this truth and is still pursuing to improve their working skill, thinking that this would help secure their future. But the ever changing trend of the world had proved otherwise.
A Distributor of MOTOROLA gave an example: “In the name of profit, a company that originally manufactured Computer Notebook had switched to manufacture Mobile Phone set” Such a short statement. For the company, it just means shutting down a deficit manufacturing line and installing a profitable line. But what await for the employees that had help the company to grow all this year is retrenchment!
20 years ago, you skill might last you 5 years. 10 years ago, your skill might last you 2 years. But now, it can only last you half a year.
Friend, how much advantage do you have and how long can that last? From the company standpoint, when all options are exhausted, retrenchment is inevitable for survivor.
For a promotion, you need the approval of 3 supervisors. But before that, how many co-workers do you need to please and be satisfied with your work? Under those circumstances, do you think hard work is going to bring you the reward that you deserve?
