Work for the cause, not the boss

If you had to read the title twice, it's ok. This is something I too only figured out upon several observations and reflections throughout my journey.

Unlike entrepreneurs, employees like most of us seldom have the luxury of working on our true passion (or passions if you're restless like me). But, even in the concrete jungle and between the maze of cubicles, there are causes we can find our belief in.

Be it a cause to provide the best customer service

Or a cause to create the best work place

Notice a cause is never a small thing. Yes, not all of us have 'big important' tasks you may say, but it's not about how 'big' your title is or having your name plate on the door.. Everything we do in an organization is part of a bigger cause (well most of it, unless you are mafia - then again, even they can justify a cause). You just have to know what it is.

So, if you can, find one that you believe in. Because it makes getting up, going through 2 hour traffic jams 5 days a week, and just being in the rat race worth the while. 

But never work only for the boss. For many reasons. 

When you work for a cause, you will naturally have a principle. And that ensures your actions and decisions are consistent. When everything you do is centered around an individual, your actions will be inconsistent (and I say 'will' not 'may' as I have seen this too many times), because you are focused on pleasing the individual. 

And inconsistency is a bad habit that leads to poor leadership. There's a Malay word for this, 'lalang' i.e. tall weeds that sway in the direction of wherever the wind is blowing. Don't get me wrong..decisions can be changed, but for logical reasons.

And most important, as long as the boss is earning a monthly salary like you, who the boss is can change. And in situations, when there is a 'hostile' takeover (which happens!), your obvious allegiance to an individual and not your principles will not help you in the eyes of the new person. 

Then, there are bosses who expect loyalty above all else. And disagreeing to them equals disloyalty. That's unfortunate, more so for the boss because then all he / she will have around them are 'yes' men (or ladies), people who only think like them and that's a recipe for disaster..

Picture courtesy of Google Images

My preference as a boss? Loyalty is hoped, but not above all else. Most important is to align on the cause. There is nothing wrong to disagree or debate about the many options to achieve it.

So, when you're stuck in that traffic tomorrow, ask yourself this for a moment:

What's my cause or am I a lalang?