I completed 2 years at Russell Reynolds Associates on Nov 1. As I reflected upon the 2 years gone by, my mind took me through each of the organizations I have worked at and the following opened up or crystallised for me: 1. Discomfort. I was shaped more by the organizations where I struggled than the ones where it was smooth sailing. Difficult cultures shaped me and helped me build new skills. I mostly realised this later; maybe even a year after I moved on. 2. Lattice vs ladder. Taking on roles I had never done before with greater scale/complexity - shaped me. My career path was as much horizontal as it was vertical. Sideways moves gave me breadth. Vertical moves gave me depth. 3. It's all about relationships. Whether you're new in a role or old. Relationships are influence. Relationships are your support system. Relationships are your source of information. 4. Ownership. From the day you join, everything belongs to you. The problems, the opportunities. They're all yours. You cannot blame the system or the structure or the culture. This is not a problem - this is the context. And you can't blame the context. Learn to succeed in it. Learn to influence it. Lead to change it. 5. Grace. Join with grace. Operate with grace. Depart with grace. #Leadership
Congratulations Gurprriet. This was so beautifully articulated . Working with you was a highlight, you brought so much wisdom and intelligence to every interaction.
What a wonderful post Gurprriet. It was reflection and poetry together.
Love this post Gurprriet - especially what you say in ownership “this is not your problem. It is your context” - hope you’re well!
Beautifully written Gurprriet. So aligned with your thoughts.
Congratulations! All of these reflections resonate well with me and are great pointers for anyone evaluating career moves. Thank you for sharing here!
Wonderful share - the feelings are similar with most of us in your fraternity. This also helps the next gen coming behind us to make this world a wonderful place to work and thrive - keep sharing - very few people have the articulation to have brevity in their experience
Happy Anniversary Gurprriet. Its my 3 yea anniversary next week. Hopefully your last line of Depart with Grace we never see.
This is really well said....a great reflection for others to consider as well. Thanks for sharing.
Very beautifully put!
Managing Director
9moThank you to each one of you, for your acknowledgment and wishes!