I ordered new WiFi the other day, and upon delivery, there was an issue with the network in my area. Not a single person was able to help me, and it will take another month before it's fixed. None of the people I spoke to were to blame / had skin in the game, and now I'm trying to get my money back for the service I paid for but did not receive, finding myself stuck in a corporate maze where 'computer says no'. It's always hard to communicate with people who don't own a project, and in my opinion, everyone should.
This frustrating maze of unaccountable interactions with the WiFi company showcases the larger issue I’ve observed in many corporate environments. It highlighted a glaring lack of personal investment and ownership in one’s work, a pattern all too common in the modern workplace.
Meaningful learning is rooted in deeply owning a project throughout its entire lifecycle. This philosophy advocates feeling the full weight of each decision, enduring the scars of mistakes, and relishing the triumphs. Such an approach starkly contrasts with the transient nature of consultancy and any other corporate job, as it often lacks the depth and lasting engagement necessary for developing a robust, three-dimensional understanding.
Why not actively pursue projects that align with our values and passions? This resonates with the concept of “Subscale over scale,” a principle that underscores the importance of creating impactful, meaningful work, rather than pursuing expansion, growth, or work for its own sake. By immersing ourselves in projects that ignite our genuine interest, we can build something truly noteworthy, even if it's on a smaller scale. It's always satisfying to make something, a joy we experience as children and should never give up.
Besides, deep involvement allows us to feel the direct impact of our choices and compels us to confront the consequences head-on, fostering a learning environment rich with real-world insights. This journey isn't just about producing work that resonates; it's about crafting something that endures and better understanding the consequences of what we do.
As we navigate our professional journeys, why not challenge ourselves to seek more than just surface-level engagements. Let’s commit to projects that we can own, learn from deeply, and see through to their impact. Lets transcend the superficiality of fleeting engagements and strive for depth, resilience, and authentic expertise.