Evolving from an employee to a soldier

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                          Image credit: Google search
 

From Monday (26 Feb 2024) I'm taking on a new role as an architect for Citrix Enterprise Browser. 

The timeline for my six and a half year journey looks like this: 

Netscaler ADM (2017 - 2018) --> Citrix API Platform (2018 - 2019) --> Intelligent Workspace (2020 - 2021) --> Technology Strategy Organisation (2021 - 2022) --> Citrix Analytics for Security (2022 - 2023) --> Citrix Director/Monitor (2023 - 2024) --> Citrix Enterprise Browser . 

In 2021, when I was only half way through this, a very senior exec told me: "So much change is not good for your career."

Change is hard and change is disruptive to say the least. 

With so much change: 

  • you can't get comfortable, settled and relaxed.
  • you don't rise up the ladder as much as people who continue in one area.
  • people forget you and your contributions as soon as you step out. Some even show hostility or coldness/indifference. 
  • you will not feel as confident and knowledgeable as long timers feel.
  • you will perpetually feel like you have zero experience.
  • you will have more self doubt on your worth and journey.
  • you will feel exhausted every time you start from scratch.

Is this bad and a problem? 

If you have an employee mindset, then may be yes. 

But if you have a soldier's mindset, then absolutely not. 

What's the difference? 

A soldier: 

  • is focused on a mission - objectives to be accomplished.
  • has willingly given up the need to feel comfortable/settled.
  • is not scared of what's risky and willingly walks into it.
  • doesn't have colleagues. A soldier sees his fellows as brothers. He will be ready to take bullets in his chest to save his brothers and do it with a smile. Compare this to corporate where "colleagues" are ready to throw others under the bus at a moment's notice to save their own #@#@ 
  • doesn't spend time basking in old glories. She is always ready for the next mission.
  • has integrity, valour and service in his/her DNA. 

There is nothing wrong with employee but a soldier is a different mindset and a different energy. 

I'm grateful for the evolution; for what the journey has made out of me - a soldier (mindset). I know it's a supreme asset to any team/organization I serve - now and in the future. 

I can't end this post without talking about the real heroes. I adore and I'm in awe of all the regiments of Indian army but my favorite is "Gorkhaa." 

Speaking of them the Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw said: "If someone says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gorkhaa." 

When life presents a new challenge I don't say "Why?" I say "Jai Maa Kaali. Aayo re Gorkhali" 

Victory to the Divine Mother. Here comes the Gorkha. 

~S~

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