In the world of sports there is a lingo that goes unspoken and yet runs like an undercurrent throughout all sporting fraternities. It’s called peaking at the right time. The great batting legend Don Bradman observed that the Indian maestro, Sachin Tendulkar had not scored a single ton in almost 73 international matches. This however, did not deter him to calling him a maestro eventually, mostly because of the way he would go about getting his runs. Sachin, went on to retire with almost next to none, in context to global cricketing records. A similar trend is observed, in almost all employees, as soon as they start their journey in a new company. Some have a streaky start, some enjoy the patronage of seniors, while some get comfortable in being and staying average. To the surprise of many, most organizations follow a consistent pattern to identify a performer and that process, like the sporting lingo, goes unspoken.
Coming to the question directly, have you peaked at the right time, or are you looking to peak at the right time? In terms of corporate ethics, what is ‘peaking at the right time’? The process of peaking involves a critical art that depends on these sub metrics
- Being able to identify and shoulder responsibility beyond your current KRA’s that’s critical to the organization’s goal.
- Coming to your manager with solutions and not problems
- The ability to walk the talk and learning to think like the company, keeping your identity intact.
Shouldering Critical Responsibility: This won’t happen every day, but when it does, go for it, hook, line and sinkers. Being able to identify an issue, making inroads into the problem and eventually biting the bullet hardest part) is what is one of the most recognized attributes today.In one word you kight want to call it people skills along with an aptitude to solve problems. It is one of the most highly valued skills in today’s business environment. Let’s say if for some reason, your team has tanked and you are able to find a quick solution to it, that’s a great start. Secondly, convince your team and manager that the solution works. Thirdly, if it is within protocols, face the client and confess about the situation along with providing him the alternate solutions and how it impacts overall timelines, budget and resources. This part is called biting the bullet. You will be surprised by how much most global leaders appreciate the value of honestly and proactive solutions. The key in this entire approach is to keep your cool and help your team out of the hole.
Solutions – not problems : Young managers, who have been trained to report and not handle teams, tend to develop a psyche of having to report every issue to the manager and wait for orders. While honestly is an appreciable trait, a part of the entire trade of being a ‘leader in the making’ is to find solutions and not just report problems. Finding a solution is not a day’s job and in some cases may end up with some critical time loss. In such situations, it is advisable, that you do sound off your superior, though you also inform him about your plan A and B and C which you are working towards and expecting results in T-X days.
Every business leader, within any organization, speaks, dresses and reflects one thing and one thing only, the company’s culture. The faster you are at adopting the culture, way of thinking and general ethical practices, the faster your ‘peaking’ would be. A smart idea or a cool plan is great, but what is truly appreciated is a smart or a cool plan executed in the manner that the company is known for. Remember, if you are not one of them then you are an outsider within the company. All your ideas may be read as difference in opinion and may ultimately get shot down. Also, for organic growth to happen, a course of evolution in terms of personality and attitude needs to develop, tilted towards the organization.
All of us who join an organization, have certain tangible and intangible goals. In order for us to meet them, it is critical to grow at the right pace. Apart from what is expected from us, it is these unspoken rules that helps us peak and grow with abundance.
