Many management and career consultants have said that the idea of safety and security in the workplace is pure fantasy now. I would say their a little late to the party. Life/work today, and a hundred years ago, is not safe or secure. It was never supposed to be.
Somewhere, we began to see the organization (specifically the place we worked) as "mommy and daddy." This made total sense since as humans in a prosperous age our desire for safety and security far outweighed our desire for risk and adventure. With organizations making many promises (pensions, health-care, etc.), many people thought that all would be well until that magical age of sixty-five.
Then things changed, as they often do. And like the addict who realizes that their "stuff" has been taken away, people began seeing change as the enemy. The idea of safety and security started to ebb. All of a sudden (or so it seemed) the mirror reflected the responsible party. The person who would need to toughen up and grow.
Far too many organizational leaders are soft. I know this, because I was one of them. I went to bed at night, during my time in corporate America, hoping and believing that my great future was set. I found time to revel in my impressive numbers (sales, money, prestige, power) and I relied heavily on my own logic. The logic that convinces you that you're loved by the organization and that you're invincible. I didn't toughen up and grow until I was escorted out.
Image how life would look if we didn't see things as safe and secure:
- You wouldn't be so preoccupied with what media hurls your way.
- Bad news would still be tough to hear, but your roots would be stronger for it.
- You' would focus more on building a great life.
- You would embrace thankfulness and contentment.
- You would take more risk in your career and life.
- Your followers would know why they're following.
- Your regrets would be few.
- You would leave the graveyard poor.
- The critics would be silenced.
- Everyday you would leave a brilliant life behind.