Page 154 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

fixed his gaze on me. He said to me, "I remember you are good at writing
manuals and study projects. I hope you can complete this assignment. You
should be able to finish it before you leave for Hong Kong."

I thanked him for reposing his confidence in me and assured him that
the task could be completed but I would start work only after returning
to my Staff College. He said that all support will be provided to me right
there in Bombay and I could finish as much work as possible even during
training so that I could be relieved for overseas branch without any delay.

I realized once again that how true the statement was "Reward for hard
work is more work". I had worked very hard while conducting
management studies and other projects assigned by the Head Office
already. Another work was assigned to me as a reward of past good work.
Whereas, all other officers in that batch did not get any additional task.
But I was still happy for the rare recognition and attention received from
top boss of our organization. I was selected for this task out of 18
Managers present. I took this additional work as one more learning
opportunity.

Insights from the episode
1. Doing good work brings more work but this also brings with it the
learning opportunity, recognition and laurels.
2. Positive environment or people around us bring positivity and
enthusiasm that makes us more productive. The same is true for the
influence of a negative environment.
3. "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." --
Thomas Jefferson
4. "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." -- Michael John
Bobak
5. "Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy
is a good strategy." -- Jimmy Spithill

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