Surviving in a large, rigid and sometimes controlling corporate environment can be as hard as swimming alone in an ocean with no coasts in sight. You may feel helpless and on your own, and no matter how much effort you put in, you may feel like you are not going anywhere.  It’s difficult to thrive in this type of environment, when there are no pre-defined goals or aims. Corporate environments with less strict rules, less rigidity and a more defined set of work conditions and responsibilities are somewhat easier to survive and thrive in, although they come with their own set of challenges and obstacles. Working with people from different backgrounds and work cultures, colleague relationships and office politics with its own hierarchies are some challenges that have the potential to create workplace conflicts. Overcoming them can be challenging, but if embraced, can actually help you succeed. A few specific innate characteristics can reduce workplace conflict and assist in a non-hostile work environment such as mutual respect, seamless work integration and beneficial joint progress.

Victory is much more meaningful when it comes not just from one person, but from the joint achievements of many“ said Howard Schultz.

Respecting diversity and differences among colleagues is of utmost importance in the global business arena today. Having a blended workforce with not just cultural differences, but work ethic and functional differences is what brings in a fresh wave of energy, unique inputs and a one-of-a-kind workplace vibe. Individuals bring a new and different input and point of view, which when accepted brings in a whole new essence to a collaborative and sustainable work environment. Rigidity in the acceptance of diversity and practicing ostracism of anything ‘different’ is what creates unnecessary walls, restrictions and a closed work environment. A stagnant work culture is not to anyone’s benefit.

Collaboration and a mutual team effort offers a platform for a fresh inflow of ideas, ideal solutions to issues and a well-blended output. Along with this, an environment offering open communication with a feedback system benefits all parties involved.  Respecting others and their outlook, along with stating one’s own viewpoint in a cohesive manner ensures a positive engagement and an open work culture. Overall, this helps not only the members involved, but also the company as a whole. This allows for individuals to work to their potential and their best for the betterment of the company and for their own personal growth and development. For this feedback loop to be successful and sustainable, people need to develop a tough skin with the ability to take in constructive and perhaps different feedback.  Critique and an experience with failure is a crucial factor in the long-term development of a person’s outlook, personality and success.

Having a positive outlook and seeing the good in others rather than pointing out the negatives is a rare characteristic, which if developed, helps the organization to have a positive work culture. There are great benefits to bringing the best out of people.  It leads them to volunteer and put their best foot forward and work for the mutual benefit of everyone involved.

Love what you do and do what you love.  Enjoying your work is crucial to success, positive outcomes and a sustainable career choice. Happiness and contentment breeds productivity and an efficient outcome.

Survival, in the corporate world might be a challenge, but thriving is more what our current diverse workforce aims for.  Good luck!

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