Your Monday Motivation: Be Wary of Scheming, What Goes Around Comes Around.

Your Monday Motivation: Be Wary of Scheming, What Goes Around Comes Around.

The workplace is a very interesting place. The people within an organization make up the organization's culture. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in different private and public organizations, and each has its own unique culture. I want to share one experience with you today with the hope that we take the lessons.

I find scheming (making secret and underhand plans) against individuals, especially in the workplace, unnecessary and jejune. Some years ago I had a colleague; a good friend at the time, who got really interested in a position I was holding. I did not ask for the role, I only naturally became a perfect fit —something that did not sit well with him. He schemed, making all "necessary" allegations which eventually worked. I left, but he was not chosen, someone else was, who also did not ask to be. To be fair to him, his scheming was primarily because he wanted to assume the position, not because he did not like me or did not appreciate the work done. He just could not think beyond himself ascending after my removal, and did not have the patience to wait for a time he would naturally be a fit. I was furious then, which led to a heated verbal encounter.

Just a couple of months later, he was found wanting of gross misconduct and I happen to be part of the panel investigating and advising on the sanctions against him. Myself and another colleague (who also had a similar experience with him) appealed for leniency on his behalf. The punishment would have been otherwise expulsion or severe suspension. Our head was pretty much surprised and even applauded the gesture citing that he would only accept the recommendation on the grounds of the knowledge of our strained relationship hoping that some lessons would be learnt about breaking the cycle of bad behaviour.

I bring this story not to make a hero out of me and a villain out of him, but to caution against scheming against others with the intent to benefit from their harm. Our relationship has improved since then (even though we are out of each other's league) but he still carries the guilt with him years later. And I have learned to never trust him again.

It is important to recognize our weaknesses and ways to overcome them, while also having the patience to wait for our own "natural" time to reap benefits. The thirst for power amidst gross inadequacy is a recipe for disaster for the self. My dear friend never got this position he so desired to this date. A glaringly evident disappointment could have been saved by choosing to grow rather than dubiously scheming. 

Scheming comes from a place of inferiority. Commit to not having a mean, scheming little mind. Small people scheme, big people grow. And if you are being schemed against, know that you have gone some far and your conspirators' karma will catch up with them. Soonest. 

Here is to a great week folks!

Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad

26.2.2024