I know, it doesn’t seem to make sense at first glance. Telling you that you might need to learn how to be a coward doesn’t seem to be sound advice. But believe me, there are times that many of us need to learn how to be a coward. Sometimes, doing can save your career.
Life takes us through many twists and turns. During our journey, we sometimes put value on the wrong things. We allow others to determine what road or action we need to take and sometimes, because of bravado, that decision can backfire.
Years back, a company that I had worked for went through a personnel change. The reigning CEO resigned, and along with him, the Senior Vice President of Sales. The VP of Sales left behind a confidant, that ascended to the role of Senior Vice President of Sales. He was a people person and had an outstanding reputation of taking care of his people. I worked for him and respected him. In fact, we were actually really good friends.
The new CEO that came in didn’t have a similar reputation. In fact, he was a bit of an asshole. One day, the Senior VP of Sales was traveling with me and he got a call from the CEO. After the conversation, he turned to me and said, “I have to fly back to headquarters immediately.” He flew back and was promptly dismissed by the organization. You see, he had chosen to challenge the new CEO over a very trivial matter. Worst yet, he did it before the board of directors.
Learn to Walk Away
When he called me to deliver the heartbreaking news, I said to him, “Well, at least you stood your ground.” That’s when he told me, “Yes, I did. And it was stupid. Now, instead of being able to help you and the other members of the team, I have to find a new job. I let my team down and should have walked away, and chosen to be a coward for a few minutes. I didn’t.”
Sometimes in life you have to learn how to be a coward. If there is bravery within you, it will come out spontaneously at the appropriate time and in the appropriate situations. Choose your battles wisely. Needlessly burning bridges can wreck your career and impact your family. Make sure that you are working your career wisely and not confusing stupidity with bravery.
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