Secret Success Sauce

Straightforward folks rarely make it to the top. Most often they stagnate and end up frustrated and confused. Dominic CostaBir shares the secret sauce to ethical career growth and advancement.

- 

I'm straightforward but my seniors can't digest it. So, I'm overlooked for lucrative posts, promotions and increments," vented Bala, a participant at my Leadership Development Program. Another participant mischievously quipped, “Ghee seedhi ungli se na nikle, toh ungli tedi karni padti hai.” (If you can't access butter with a straight finger, bend it.) Metaphorically, one has to be crooked to acquire wealth and luxuries. Rao firmly responded, “I won't become a scheming 'yes man'.” Many like Rao see this as a binary issue. Either be honest and hardworking and suffer the consequences or be a conniving suck-up and grow. I suggested, “Why not warm and melt the butter, then pour out what you need?” We laughed together.

Many, like Rao, think honesty and sincerity can only be communicated in a straightforward manner. Two decades ago as a party caterer and hospitality consultant, I made the same mistake. For instance, despite offering low rates, a client would annoy me with; “We have a cheaper alternative.” I'd say, “Great, take it.” So, despite being good at my job and with 12 years of honest hard work behind me, my business floundered. I was frustrated and confused. Should I stop being honest and give up on my core values?”