New Delhi: While working, many people make their company their world. They devote extra time to the office, stand by the company in every difficulty and sometimes even ignore their personal life. But is it right to have such an emotional attachment to a company? Advice from Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy gives an opportunity to look at this thinking from a new perspective. He says that employees should love their work but should not have excessive emotional attachment towards the company. Its purpose is not to reduce the responsibility towards the job but to maintain a balance between one’s career and personal identity.
What does it mean to love your work?
Narayana Murthy’s first piece of advice relates to dedication to your work. When a person likes his work, he does not consider it just a means of getting salary. He tries to perform his responsibilities in a better way, learn new things and improve the quality of work. Such an employee does not wait for praise from the boss or praise from others every time. He derives satisfaction from the results of his work.
Why should one not be overly attached to the company?
While working in a company, it is natural to get attached to the people and environment there, but it is not right to make the company your entire identity. A company is a business organisation where management, policies and way of working keep changing with time. Many times a decision is also taken to fire employees. In such a situation, if a person’s entire identity is linked to his company, he may face mental and professional problems if he loses or changes his job.
Is it right to keep working even in a bad work culture?
Many employees become emotionally attached to the company due to working with it for a long time. They feel that the organisation has given them opportunities for so many years, hence they should not leave the job even in difficult circumstances. With this thinking in mind, they continue to accept excessive work, stress and poor work culture. Whereas job is only a part of life. If there are no opportunities for advancement in an organisation or the work environment is affecting personal life and health, then there is nothing wrong in exploring other options.
What is your real identity?
Working in a company definitely provides experience and learning, but the real strength of an employee is his ability and skills. Companies may change, managers may change and job opportunities also change, but the skills learned always stay with the individual. Therefore, employees should keep improving their abilities from time to time. Learning new technology, improving the way of working and keeping yourself prepared according to changing needs can be beneficial for your career.
What things should be kept in mind to move ahead in career?
- Fulfil your responsibilities with full honesty and hard work.
- Don’t limit yourself to just the company name.
- Keep improving your work and technical knowledge over time.
- Maintain balance between office work and family.
- Consider changing jobs if you get better opportunities and growth prospects.
The essence of Narayana Murthy’s advice is to be honest towards the company and fulfil your responsibilities, but keep control of your career direction and identity in your hands.
