Survivor
Some might say that holding down a job today is similar to playing the USA reality TV game show "Survivor". For those of you located where the show is not broadcast, Survivor starts with two teams in a remote location where the contestants must survive the elements by building shelter and finding food. Individuals must cooperate in order to keep healthy.
In addition, the two teams compete against each other in different athletic competitions. The losing team must vote one of their members out of the competition. This is where the greatest intrigue begins.
Team members are constantly attempting to create and maintain alliances to coopitate (yes, that is a word). Coopitate means adversaries cooperate for a period of time in order to fulfill a short term mutual goal. In this case, the goal is to not get voted out of the game. The last individual in the game receives a large cash prize.
So, how does your job compare to Survivor? For the most part, companies no longer have the perspective of long term loyalty to their employees. Pensions are mostly a thing of the past. Moneys that are supposed to be set aside for retirement benefits are spent by corporations or municipal organizations. Older employees are retired because the company can hire two younger individuals for the same cost.
How do you coopitate in this kind of a world? In short, by being a person who contributes to your company success. When your team is hungry, they find it hard to get rid of the hunter.
I came across an excellent article recently entitled “Three Types of People to Fire Immediately“. I’m sure many of you read it. The article presents the top three character traits an employer should beware of, and fire individuals having those traits. I encourage you to read the article. It will help you become a hunter in your world.
Did I get you thinking? How do you think this might change the way you look at your career? Do you think you can coopitate? Do you simply hate the word Coopitate? Drop me a note at btaylor@sswug.org.
Cheers,
Ben
$$SWYNK$$
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