A certain saying goes something along the lines of you can see through the water only when it is still. Sometimes rocks keep getting thrown into the water and you don't have the time to wait. What can you see in rough waters?
I happened to be reading an older copy of Men's Health and the editorial introduction to the issue stated something, minus the part about natural charisma, that kinda speaks to me.
The go-to guy on staff isn't necessarily the guy with the authoritative title..., the biggest salary..., or the most power... Sometimes, a leader emerges from among equals, a man whose natural charisma, stability, and sense of purpose make everyone turn to him... And while the man in that role usually doesn't finish his career with the biggest salary, the greatest accolades, or the snazziest title, he usually does emerge with something even more valuable: respect.
In a changing work environment I've been trying to understand certain people's motivations, and this article has helped me clarify my own thoughts about my own motivations. I want respect. I don't want power, titles, or that much more money. Titles, salary, and power can be given or taken by/for people who have never worked with nor understood the day to day activities that define reality. Respect has to be earned, not by words or here-say, but by actions.
Once I identified my motivation, it's clearer now that those whose motivations differ confuse and irritate me. Now I've only identified motivation, I haven't found a way to resolve my disconnect with those who have the other motivations.
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