The stench of “rowing against” and the sweet smell of sweat

Inspired by an article of my good old friend Danila Rocchi I decided to write my thoughts on some corporate world habits.

Like Danila, in my private and corporate life I never rowed against anyone or anything. If someone was in need of help and support I provided it without asking anything in return. And I was happy if the asking person achieved his or her goal.

If I disagree with something or someone I always preferred to share openly my opinion if asked.

In a nutshell, I am happy to help rowing and despise rowing against.

I noticed very often that if some people achieved something, they tend to keep the advantages for themselves, do not share and sometime give the wrong advice on purpose in order to preserve their own advantages and privileges. They do not enjoy other people successes and prefer to kill companies, even entire industries rather than loosing their perks.

What a human misery, what damage for the companies, how sad for the society! These people resemble rats; they live in the shadows and tend to move very close to the wall. They are cowards.

What is the right attitude in the corporate world? Is it right to live a life of compromise and rise in the hierarchy without being able to look the own face in the mirror? Or is it right to live according to the own principle and accept some time bitter defeats?

Everyone can draw his or her conclusion.

“You do not know, Mr. di Bari, how many people wake up in the morning and would rather shoot themselves” told me in a dramatic way a reputed headhunter.   

The path I chose for me is a very difficult one. I could be at the top of the management world but would be unable to look my face in the mirror. I feel stupid for that but I am my own man (and fortunately have no intention to shoot anyone, let alone myself).

In order to allow them an “easier life” I tried to teach my kids that “the end justifies the means” as Machiavelli said. Fortunately I was not credible and I trust that they will choose a different way. I way I hope that will smell like hard work sweat.

Stay curious, stay hungry said Steve Jobs. For me I add: stay upright, say what you think, do not row against, do not backstab anyone. I might be stupid but I feel good about it