The Art of Corporate Life

By the simple virtue of differences in corporate agenda, one may upset other people even without the slightest intent to do so. In the wake of any dialogue of conflict, even with temper or any other destructive sentiment contained, it inevitably leaves a lingering bad taste in the mouth.

It is, therefore, very important to think twice or even thrice before speaking out and making a position clear. Equally important is to know and understand the nuances of conflicting interests in the maze of varied stakeholders. Impatience and negligence can sometimes be surprisingly but severely punished. To make things even more complicated and challenging, the ground of views may readily shift with new information coming to light. It is sometimes not as straightforward as reading from a map in ascertaining where exactly does one stand.

In the confusion of exchanges, it is of course always worth remembering the mundane yet noble course of intent should simply be about getting things done. All sentiments should be secondary to the results of real performance. Yet, in the big scheme of things, a state of harmony is essential for the alignment of varied interests and expectations in performance. Apart from, or indeed as part of, getting things done and delivering the results as a corporate agenda, it is always about cultivating the constructive environment and positive relationships to lead a corporate life.

But this thinking inevitably leads, again, to the question of free will - whether there is any or ample room for the exercise of free will in the corporate environment. Why not - one is free to influence and persuade others as well as engage in negotiations! To convince others of a convicted position, however, accumulated goodwill always pays off - which, like any harvest, has to be cultivated in good times and stocked up for rainy days.