Childish antics have no place in the serious world of business. In the professional realm, results are what truly matter.
When I was younger, I had a knack for debating my dad into letting me do what I wanted. Whether it was staying out late or hanging with friends, I’d wear him down until he gave in. And if that didn’t work, I’d do it anyway and plead for forgiveness later. It drove him crazy.
Believe it or not, this strategy worked for a while, even on teachers and professors. But deep down, I always knew that one day, this game would have to stop. And eventually, that day came.
In the real world, especially in business, that kind of behavior doesn’t fly. The corporate world demands results. If you deliver excellence and impress your bosses, clients, and stakeholders, you’ll be rewarded. If not, the consequences are inevitable.
Now, it might not always be so cut and dry, but for those who think they can manipulate their way to success, let me share a story that might change your mind.
Looking back, you might find it hard to believe if I said that the first decade of my career felt like a waste. In some respects, you’d be right to question that claim. During that time, I became a reasonably competent engineering manager. It wasn’t all for nothing.
But a turning point came when a software startup took a chance on me, hiring me as a sales executive. Our products took off, and we went public. However, our success drew the attention of a major competitor—Microsoft. That’s when the pressure mounted, and my old habits resurfaced with my boss, the CEO. It wasn’t long before I found myself out of a job.
Being let go from the first company that truly believed in me was like a slap in the face. It was a brutal wake-up call.
Yet, much like Steve Jobs, who once described his public firing from Apple as being hit in the head with a brick, I too found that this painful experience was a blessing in disguise. After months of soul-searching and job hunting, I realized my game-playing days were over. Less than two years later, I was hired as a VP of marketing for a high-profile public company. That was over two decades ago, and I’ve been on a solid path ever since.
The lesson here is simple: We all play games at some point in our lives, often starting in childhood. But life, especially in the business world, isn’t a game. Sooner or later, you’ll face the reality that you can’t outsmart the system. And when that realization hits, it can be as jarring as a brick to the head. The sooner you learn this lesson, the better.
If you think this story doesn’t apply to you, you might be right. Perhaps you’ve grown up with the maturity needed to navigate life and business with wisdom. Or maybe you just haven’t realized it yet. But in time, the truth will reveal itself.
Until then, keep an eye out for those flying bricks—they have a way of finding you when you least expect it.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
