2023 · originally posted on LinkedIn
There are a handful of fundamental principles that ground me in everything I do in the workplace. Some of them were tougher lessons to learn than others. I hope that my maturity will continue to guide me on this journey. Here's one I'd like to share today: there's enough space for everybody out there to succeed and prosper.
To make this happen, our society's institutions and systems need a lot of work. Our processes and efforts are proving wholly inadequate across many dimensions of diversity. That's a tough pill to swallow. Dignity and inclusion above all other things is as integral to this as anything else.
Early on in my career, I perpetuated grudges on the regular. Cryptic passive aggression was a cerebral expression of evil in some areas of my work. I held zero space for rudeness, impatience, tempers, or disrespect. The moment someone lied to me or manipulated me changed their trust with me permanently. But that was then and this is now. Five years of work with an excellent therapist have helped. A more mature brain and fewer raging hormones helped even more.
To be clear though, this principle has limits. I won't ever assume positive intent for cruelty and I have zero tolerance for hatred. That said, those moments of selfishness, greed, jealousy, or anger we're all prone to from time to time can serve a purpose. Our emotional extremes pretty much always have heavy baggage that travels with them. My last layoff in 2017 put me in a spiral of distrust that took years to rectify and heal.
I aspire to not carry regrets in my life, but forgiveness of myself and others is a critical exercise in letting go. When I make forgiveness and care a priority, it lends itself commandingly well to supporting others. That, for me, is the ultimate revelation. If there's going to be any chance of success for me, there's got to be space for everybody else out there too. This is even more critical for those who don't have as much privilege or opportunity as I have had in my life.
I'm not about to put the world on my shoulders and claim that I can help everybody out there succeed. Be that as it may, I can do my part in trying to ensure there's enough space for everybody to take their shot.