Decades ago the term “company man” first emerged and was used to describe an employee who put alliances to the company for which he or she worked above everything else — personal opinions, friendships, health and family.
Back in the day many considered these characteristics of a Type A player to be not only an extreme positive, but also mandatory in order to ascend the corporate ladder. It was common and encouraged for a real go-getter to develop friendships and relationships within the confines of the company. In many respects this track took on characteristics similar to a cult, with everyone (symbolically) drinking the Kool-Aid.
Some might argue that this culture was in the best interest of the company. Fortunately, others with a much broader perspective would submit that devoting one’s entire life and waking hours to a single enterprise breeds myopia.
When life as the company man predictably comes to an end, as it always does either because of the passage of time or abrupt corporate changes, nothing remains the same for the entity’s staunchest devotee who had feasted on the accoutrements of the corporate good life.
When the music stops playing, suddenly going cold turkey can prove emotionally devastating, leaving the heaviest of heaver hitters feeling all alone, even in a crowded room.
The methods
There are many methods, however, that can be employed to ensure a fulfilling life after the music stops.
As I have written in this space repeatedly, everyone from the CEO to the lowest level manager must recognize that “what you do is not who are.” To protect from being ensconced in a very provincial and narrow corporate circle, executives have the opportunity to gain nonbusiness experiences playing off the skills and connections associated with their day job.
Today’s new generation of wannabe leaders realizes the value of a multifaceted life. But it’s never too late for even the most experienced veteran to venture outside the company cocoon.
Outside the office
Smart companies also realize that their top performers need to have a life outside of work. They want their managers to give back to the community, or other nonbusiness undertakings, while they contribute to making the company successful.
The best companies even facilitate the involvement of their top players in extracurricular activities, not only to broaden their knowledge and make new contacts, but also to make them more well-rounded leaders who can learn to identify nontraditional opportunities for the company. All work and no outside interests not only makes one a very dull boy or girl, but also constricts creativity, primarily by a lack of exposure to those in other fields and industries who surround all of us in unlikely places.
Constantly renewing and even reinventing oneself is an ongoing process that many times opens new possibilities, enhances learning and is very fulfilling. You can have it both ways while serving your company and exploring the marvels of new experiences.
The music doesn’t have to stop, but the songs must keep changing.
