When people speak about successful professionals, they often mention knowledge, competence, experience and wisdom.
All of them are important.
Yet there is another quality that quietly shapes others’ careers.
Being easy to work with.
Think about the people you have enjoyed working with.
They may not have been the most brilliant individuals in the organisation.
But they listened. They respected others. They honoured their commitments. They acknowledged mistakes. They appreciated contributions.
Instead of criticizing, they facilitated corrections.
They may not have been the most brilliant individuals in the organisation.
But they listened. They respected others. They honoured their commitments. They acknowledged mistakes. They appreciated contributions.
Instead of criticizing, they facilitated corrections.
They made us feel comfortable.
An analogy comes to mind.
Every machine consists of several moving parts. Each part performs a different function.
Some parts are large. Some are small. Some move rapidly. Others move slowly. Despite their differences, they work together to achieve a common purpose.
Some parts are large. Some are small. Some move rapidly. Others move slowly. Despite their differences, they work together to achieve a common purpose.
What enables them to work smoothly is not merely the quality of the parts.
It is the lubricant between them.
Without lubrication, friction increases. Noise begins. Wear and tear accelerate.
Even the finest machine gradually loses its efficiency.
Organizations are no different.
People bring different personalities. Different experiences.
Different opinions. Different aspirations. Differences are natural. Friction is inevitable.
Different opinions. Different aspirations. Differences are natural. Friction is inevitable.
Some people possess a quiet ability to reduce friction wherever they go.
Their very presence makes it a pleasure to work together.
They listen before responding. They respect differences. They offer feedback without hurting one’s dignity. They assume positive intent before passing judgement.
Most importantly, they bring out the best in everyone.
They are, in many ways, the lubricant of the organisation.
Interestingly, lubricants are rarely noticed when everything is functioning well.
People notice them only when they are absent.
Every one of us has a choice.
We can become another source of friction. Or we can become the lubricant that helps people work together with greater trust, respect and harmony.
The contribution of a lubricant is rarely celebrated.
Yet without it, even the finest machine eventually struggles.
We can become another source of friction. Or we can become the lubricant that helps people work together with greater trust, respect and harmony.
The contribution of a lubricant is rarely celebrated.
Yet without it, even the finest machine eventually struggles.
Be that lubricant.