Why Is Growth Such a Lonely Journey?
'As you grow in your organization, you will
find that you get lonelier and lonelier and that your decision is eventually a
lonely decision.
You should do what you believe is right. It may be the tougher decision; it may be the tougher option. But if deep inside you, you know it's the right decision for the right reasons, not for the wrong reasons, then you should go ahead and take it.'
You should do what you believe is right. It may be the tougher decision; it may be the tougher option. But if deep inside you, you know it's the right decision for the right reasons, not for the wrong reasons, then you should go ahead and take it.'
These words by Ratan Tata - entrepreneur, businessman and visionary
We've all gone through
'moments of disillusionment' in our careers. These moments only grow as you
progress in your career...
You would think that after your many successes and achievements, support would come in droves from all corners. But the truth is that the support diminishes.
The decisions you make are indeed 'lonely ones', and you are responsible for them. Decisions that no one will understand. Decisions that no one wants to understand. They simply don't see things the way you do.
But that's exactly why you are where you are in the first place. To see something differently. To offer your flavour. To bring something new and innovative.
And that's my number one message today. Whoever you are...in whichever organisation or stage in your career or life...don't hesitate to be yourself. Don't hesitate to voice an idea or concern that you feel strongly about... It takes guts, but it's worth it.
Today's organisations don't need robots. They never have. They need thinking, dynamic, ethical individuals who are going to take the organisation forward. It doesn't work to be a cog in the wheel anymore.
Organisations nowadays need wings to fly, and those will only come from visionaries. From those willing to risk and stand up for what they believe in.
I read a quote by Dr Makarand 'Chips' Chipalkatti, an expert on lighting, technology, and innovation, which goes: 'Something is an innovation not simply because it is new to that company, but because it is simply new.'
When an idea is new in itself, seldom will it find support from the get go... Seldom will it find resonance among the many... For it has no history of success...no facts or data to support it.
That's where you come in. The role you play is to help others dream, dream the same dream that you are dreaming. Because your dream will 'make a difference', not just to you and the organisation, but to the world at large.
This happens only if you have a strong conviction in what you're doing. The deeper your commitment to your idea, the more long-lasting your ability to drive change and innovation.
And the greater your chances of finding people to support you in that idea. People and systems are only enablers. The real strength is your own. And this is tested time and time again.
Each one of us has deep reserves of strength. But we don't dip into them. We instead bank on others for answers and solutions...not realising that the answers are within.
To grow, you have to look inward. And listen to what that small voice in your heart and mind is saying. Is it pushing you to go ahead? Is it telling you to not give up? Is it shouting 'you're not a quitter!'
Is it asking you to change the way you think and work? Is it asking you to grow and shed your previous fears? Is it asking you to transform into something you didn't expect?
Growth is never easy. It comes with a lot of change. Change in outlook, lifestyle, and even beliefs...
Growth can change the very definition of success. What was once about numbers is now about impact. What was once about profit is now about sustainability.
And growth can leave you lonely. It can take away your supporters and enablers. It can leave you with no one but yourself. But you know what? That's not such a bad thing. Because whenever something is taken, it's also returned...
When you lose support around you, you gain support from within you. A strength once built never fades. A strength that will be yours and yours alone...to lean on every time you feel lonely.
You would think that after your many successes and achievements, support would come in droves from all corners. But the truth is that the support diminishes.
The decisions you make are indeed 'lonely ones', and you are responsible for them. Decisions that no one will understand. Decisions that no one wants to understand. They simply don't see things the way you do.
But that's exactly why you are where you are in the first place. To see something differently. To offer your flavour. To bring something new and innovative.
And that's my number one message today. Whoever you are...in whichever organisation or stage in your career or life...don't hesitate to be yourself. Don't hesitate to voice an idea or concern that you feel strongly about... It takes guts, but it's worth it.
Today's organisations don't need robots. They never have. They need thinking, dynamic, ethical individuals who are going to take the organisation forward. It doesn't work to be a cog in the wheel anymore.
Organisations nowadays need wings to fly, and those will only come from visionaries. From those willing to risk and stand up for what they believe in.
I read a quote by Dr Makarand 'Chips' Chipalkatti, an expert on lighting, technology, and innovation, which goes: 'Something is an innovation not simply because it is new to that company, but because it is simply new.'
When an idea is new in itself, seldom will it find support from the get go... Seldom will it find resonance among the many... For it has no history of success...no facts or data to support it.
That's where you come in. The role you play is to help others dream, dream the same dream that you are dreaming. Because your dream will 'make a difference', not just to you and the organisation, but to the world at large.
This happens only if you have a strong conviction in what you're doing. The deeper your commitment to your idea, the more long-lasting your ability to drive change and innovation.
And the greater your chances of finding people to support you in that idea. People and systems are only enablers. The real strength is your own. And this is tested time and time again.
Each one of us has deep reserves of strength. But we don't dip into them. We instead bank on others for answers and solutions...not realising that the answers are within.
To grow, you have to look inward. And listen to what that small voice in your heart and mind is saying. Is it pushing you to go ahead? Is it telling you to not give up? Is it shouting 'you're not a quitter!'
Is it asking you to change the way you think and work? Is it asking you to grow and shed your previous fears? Is it asking you to transform into something you didn't expect?
Growth is never easy. It comes with a lot of change. Change in outlook, lifestyle, and even beliefs...
Growth can change the very definition of success. What was once about numbers is now about impact. What was once about profit is now about sustainability.
And growth can leave you lonely. It can take away your supporters and enablers. It can leave you with no one but yourself. But you know what? That's not such a bad thing. Because whenever something is taken, it's also returned...
When you lose support around you, you gain support from within you. A strength once built never fades. A strength that will be yours and yours alone...to lean on every time you feel lonely.
By Ritika Bajaj
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