Understanding Corporate America

Early in my professional career, our very successful Sales Team presented a professional “rebellion” against our Management team. They attempted to forces us to sign off on a skewed compensation plan. None of the 30 member team members signed it. Our “silent resistance” forced management to go back to the board room, compromise and present a plan that was mutually beneficial to the company and to the Sales team. After over 25 years in Corporate America, I now realize that this was an anomaly and not likely to happen again.

When I finally understood a few basic insights, my professional career became more realistic:

• It is not your company. Your name is not in the company logo.
• You were not hired to fulfill your goals. You were hired to fulfill theirs.
• Every day, you have two choices: Figure out a way to fulfill your goals after fulfilling theirs or leave.
• People who are most upset with their employer do so because they believe they have to be there.
• Learn all you can and give all you have to the role.
• No matter how much you love your job, always keep your resume updated and remain marketable.
• Remember: "Build your own dreams, or someone will hire you to build theirs." This is not good or bad; it is what it is. Just know that.
• Remember: GOD is always present…not just on Sundays. He is there Monday – Friday, 9 – 5 p.m. also.

In an article by Jen Nicomedes titled “10 Life Lessons Learned From Corporate America,” she advises:

1. Don’t be so serious.
2. Ask for help.
3. Travel as much as possible.
4. Never compromise your health.
5. Everyone is a network.
6. There is no rewind button.
7. Money isn’t everything.
8. Keep your options.
9. Be yourself.
10. Don’t give up on childhood dreams.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5047/10-Life-Lessons-Learned-From-Corporate-America.html

The Bible weighs in:

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Powerful Quotes:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobes

“Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.” ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” - Saint Francis de Sales

Allow Corporate America to be the training or “boot camp” for your professional and personal growth. Work diligently and realistically as you head toward your destiny.