Bosses often do not value the actual abilities of employees, but rather care more about interpersonal relationships. If someone is recommended by a relative, even if that person is not competent, they will be placed in a leadership position over a group of people through false praise and power intervention. Because in the eyes of the boss, as long as the company is developing well, it doesn't matter who is used, as long as the relative doesn't cause major trouble, the company will continue to prosper.
Therefore, many times, ability can only rank third, with the first two being relationships and resources. When you have relationships, many things can be easily resolved; next is resources, and when you have resources, you have the capital to exchange with others.
You may wholeheartedly contribute to the company, even going beyond your job responsibilities, alleviating the boss's worries, and finding better solutions. Although the boss does not oppose your transcendent thinking and may verbally praise you, whether this behavior is correct has two different views in the workplace. One side believes that you should only do what you are paid for and that worrying like a CEO is not worth it; the other side believes that everyone is in the same boat, and if the boat sinks, everyone is doomed, so this behavior is worthwhile.
Under these two views, there are inevitably two types of workplace people, and whether it is correct depends on the attitude of the boss or leader.
Although the boss recognizes your contributions, it is merely recognition without substantial rewards. This creates a suggestion that you can make suggestions, but don't expect to gain benefits. In this situation, only sincere people will continue, while most will become silent. So, if the boss is autocratic, he usually just goes through the motions, and your opinions, whether correct or not, will not be genuinely adopted.
Some bosses think of themselves as the king of the company, and employees are their slaves, doing whatever they want. This mindset was popular in the 1980s and 1990s but has become more covert now. They will directly criticize your opinions, regardless of understanding, simply because they feel you are hard to control. They may also use a caring approach to achieve this goal, even telling stories to prove they are right. They see any differing suggestions as a threat to their authority; they only need obedient subordinates and do not need rebellious ones who do not give face.
Therefore, some bosses pay great attention to face, doing well in both personal image and interpersonal dealings. However, their pursuit of face has limits and permeates all aspects of the company. They may ask everyone for opinions in meetings but fear someone will speak up, thinking it is disrespectful to them. They prefer all suggestions and opinions to be communicated in a hidden manner, believing that is correct. A person who constantly emphasizes that face is not important often places great importance on it, so do not be deceived by external words.
Some bosses believe that only eternal victory is true victory, and they will fly into a rage at any failure. They do not recognize failures in the process, leading to many operational aspects of the company becoming transparent, resulting in frequent failures. They will use their logic to persuade anyone who experiences tactical failures, saying we should be open and aboveboard, and even in defeat, we have honor. Despite the boss saying this, he still unceremoniously cuts salaries, refusing to admit his mistakes and distributing all responsibility equally among everyone.
When the boss sees good performance, he will ignore kind reminders, believing his illegal actions will not be discovered. Once an employee protests, he will say others do the same, and his luck won't be that bad. Or his operations may be legal, but he is reluctant to give up profit accumulation, thinking he can turn danger into safety.
I believe the types of bosses mentioned above still exist, some even mixing multiple types. These factors determine the limits of company development, which cannot be solved by a single employee. I have experienced this pain deeply and painfully. Of course, in the face of such a complex workplace environment, we are not without solutions. The following suggestions may help you find your footing in such a workplace ecology:
First, maintain self-awareness. First, clearly recognize your value and abilities, and do not be easily swayed by external praise or criticism. Clarify your career goals and strive tirelessly for them. Do not doubt your value because of others' denial, nor should you lose objectivity due to flattery, falling into a false sense of self-satisfaction.
Second, enhance professional skills. In this rapidly changing era, continuously improving your professional skills and knowledge level is crucial. Only when you possess irreplaceable abilities can you stand firm in the workplace. Although the entry barriers to some companies may be high, and there may be unspoken rules, once you successfully join, what matters most is your professional ability. When you showcase your professional skills and achieve good results, you become the valued one.
Third, build good interpersonal relationships. While social skills are important in the workplace, treating others sincerely and respecting them is equally essential. Establishing a good network of relationships can provide you with support and help when needed. Building good interpersonal relationships requires you to invest your attitude, time, and energy; being willing to share and help others in your work lays the foundation for good relationships in informal groups. If you can also gain organizational power at this time, it will have an immeasurable positive impact on your work.
Fourth, learn to communicate. Effective communication is key to success in the workplace. Whether with superiors, colleagues, or subordinates, you must learn to express your views and ideas clearly and accurately. At the same time, be good at listening to others' opinions and suggestions. By continuously reflecting on yourself and improving, enhance your communication skills and become a communication expert.
Fifth, maintain a positive attitude. Facing challenges and difficulties in the workplace, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Believe in your abilities and value, and trust that through effort, you can overcome all difficulties. Many times, it is not a lack of solutions to problems but a lack of a positive attitude, as a positive attitude leads to positive actions.
Sixth, be flexible in response. The workplace environment is ever-changing, so learn to respond flexibly to various situations. When faced with unreasonable requests or arrangements, try to communicate and negotiate with your superiors to find a win-win solution. Do not refuse to communicate due to unreasonable arrangements; perhaps the other party is unaware of the unreasonableness.
Seventh, seek mentors and role models. In the workplace, finding a mentor or role model can help you grow and progress faster. Their experiences and teachings can help you avoid detours and achieve your career goals more quickly. There are always mountains beyond mountains and people beyond people; do not think you can stop learning and improving. It is still necessary to look up to successful people.
Eighth, maintain learning and growth. The workplace is a process of continuous learning and growth. Maintain curiosity and a desire to learn new knowledge and skills, continuously enriching yourself to adapt to the ever-changing workplace environment.
Remember, although the workplace is complex and changeable, as long as we maintain a positive attitude, strive to improve our abilities and qualities, build a good network of interpersonal relationships, and respond flexibly to various challenges and difficulties, we can stand out in the workplace and achieve our career dreams.