A Surefire Way to Gain Recognition in the Workplace

Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe, a distinguished Norwegian ethologist and comparative psychologist, discovered in 1921 that even among the wandering chickens on a farm, there exists a pecking order. In the world of chickens, just like in human society, the hierarchy was a matter of survival, especially when food was scarce.

Similarly, humans continuously engage in competition, driven by instincts essential for survival. As one climbs up the social ladder, they gain the power to allocate resources. While we may criticize politicians for their constant squabbles, it's simply a natural phenomenon. The phrase "If you want peace, prepare for war!" may seem paradoxical, but in the realm of communal living organisms, it's a clarion call that pierces through the essence of life.

Competition exists even within households. Just as pet dogs perceive the hierarchy among family members, it's evident that hierarchies exist among humans too. The more we cry out for equality, the more conflicts escalate, sometimes leading to wars. Perhaps this is because we yearn for something that doesn't exist.

What is the winning strategy in the hierarchical competition towards the upper echelons? It's simply not losing control. Adopting an attitude of merely doing what is asked of you will never give you the upper hand in the hierarchy.

Such thoughts and attitudes themselves can invite unhappiness. Take, for example, a household scenario: Even if husbands share household chores, the wife's discontentment may deepen because she holds the reins of domestic leadership. The husband may believe he's doing well in executing the tasks assigned by his wife, but he falls short of her expectations as she holds all the control. Consequently, the husband constantly finds himself being scolded, leading a miserable life.

Similar situations unfold in the workplace. By comparing employees who perform the same tasks but receive different evaluations, it's clear that those who receive positive evaluations are proactive in planning. Planning is a prerequisite for performing tasks proactively. Their achievements surpass the expectations of their supervisors because they reflect their own will. In contrast, employees who lack initiative handle tasks passively, merely as assigned homework. They are not only unlikely to accomplish everything desired but are also at risk of missing deadlines. This is because they treat their work as undesirable homework.

The evaluations of these two types of employees will undoubtedly be sharply different. The only way to gain an advantage in the hierarchical competition is by maintaining control. While mentioning control may evoke thoughts of waging war in life, recall moments of happiness. They likely have a common denominator: You had control.

Do not forget the word "control." Cultivate a habit of considering control even when traveling, relaxing, or dining. If you have no interest in competition, it's also not a bad idea to relinquish control. After all, it's not an essential element of life.

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