20 Years of Experience: 20 Workplace Wisdoms
Just one week back from furlough, my junior sister burst into tears on the phone, saying she didn't want to go to work anymore.
After further questioning, I learned that it was because one of her colleagues had asked her to proofread a business proposal, and later, due to errors in the original data, it caused a lot of trouble for the work.
Just as she was struggling to find a solution, that colleague started to smear her.
My junior sister was extremely aggrieved: 'It was actually me who asked you for help, it was actually her original data that contained the errors…'
Hearing her lament, my heart was deeply troubled, and I couldn't bear it.
As a veteran in the workplace, I deeply know that navigating the workplace is also a kind of learning. Thick-skinned and dark-hearted is not advisable, but wisdom is essential.
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Sit quietly and reflect on yourself; chat casually without criticizing right and wrong.
The biggest weakness of human nature is to regard others' shortcomings as one's own blind spots. Therefore, the flaws and improprieties of others often become the source of gossip by interested parties.
As taught by 'The Root Classics': 'To criticize right and wrong is to be a non-person.' A simple turn of words can turn a critic into a non-person.
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Words must be fulfilled, and agreements must be kept. Trust is the foundation for all relationships in the workplace.In any situation, whether public or private, integrity is paramount. Without integrity, there is no foundation for our existence.
Don't make empty promises in the workplace, because things are always full of uncertainty. If you can't fulfill your commitments, it's easy to be labeled 'unreliable.'
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Speak less, listen more, and silence is also a skill.
When dealing with colleagues, talk sparingly and avoid unnecessary arguments. Silence is often more effective than words.
'Saying right and wrong is to be a non-person.' More than 5000 years of experience has proven that speaking excessively often leads to failure. Once you've exhausted all your efforts, you'll end up ruined by your own words.
As taught by 'The Root Classics': 'Looking at things and not saying them is wisdom; and quietness is true composure.'
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Sincerely praise others, and graciously accept praise from others.
Praising others is not only a way to make people feel good, but also to create good will for yourself. And graciously accepting praise from others is both a recognition of yourself and respect for others.
'Excessive thrift is a sign of stinginess; excessive generosity is a sign of subservience.' Only by sincerely praising others and accepting praise without arrogance can we build harmonious relationships.
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Don't pry into others' privacy, and don't complain about your own life.
Some people enjoy prying into others' privacy, using it as a basis for gossip or competition. Others like to complain about their lives, constantly venting their unhappiness.
Unfortunately, the workplace doesn't tolerate tears and doesn't allow for endless complaints. Anyone who feeds these tendencies will eventually be punished.
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There are few true friends in the workplace; don't overestimate your relationship with anyone.
As Churchill said, 'There are no permanent friends in the world, only permanent interests.' This applies equally in the workplace.
Colleagues cooperate with each other, but must also maintain a distance. When their interests clash, they will betray you behind your back. And these 'friends' will disappear if the interests don't align.
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Don't join circles that don't fit you; your value lies in your network.
We long for success and resources, so we strive to connect with all sorts of big people.
However, a forced fit is like a sour grape. Trying to force yourself into circles you don't belong in is useless. People's networks are based on resource exchange. If you can't provide value to others, they won't help you when you need it.
Remember, only networks that match your own value are genuine networks; otherwise, they are just showy displays.
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Be mindful of exchanges, and treat others with hospitality.
Colleagues often invite each other to eat, go to bars, and share rides.
If you refuse too many times, people will simply think you're not sociable. If you participate too many times without reciprocating, they'll treat you as if you're taking advantage of them. Over time, even if they don't say it, they'll resent you.
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Maintain a distance with the opposite sex, which is both respect and self-protection.
In the workplace, a close relationship with the opposite sex is a disaster. If both parties are single, it might be okay.
But if one of you is in a relationship, it's a disaster. If you make a mistake, you'll be reprimanded; if you make a mistake, you'll be shunned. You might even ruin your marriage and your career.
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You are not a piece of currency; don't expect everyone to like you.
To be charming and have friends everywhere is almost impossible. Because a person who wants to be liked by everyone will only exhaust themselves and become a target for criticism.
Allowing others to dislike you and not forcing yourself to like everyone is the norm in the workplace.
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Have your own bottom line and principles; don't compromise your principles.
In the workplace, someone will constantly try to exploit your 'good-naturedness' for his benefit, test your boundaries, or even violate your principles.
When this happens, you must boldly defend your rights and express your anger. Because a person with character is often more respected than someone without.
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