Team vs. Self

The concept of how one shuns individual recognition for the team’s goal used to fascinate me in my days of growing up.

A batter is going all-out for runs when close to a declaration (in tests) or when the required run rate is mounting (in limited-overs) as he/ she is close to a personal landmark. A forward passing the ball to a better-placed teammate when he/she could well take a tough shot at goal for personal glory. A not-100%-fit athlete is dropping out of a world-beating relay when he/ she is assured glory as part of the team. I used to watch them in both real and reel lives and get goosebumps. For me, that was the epitome of teamwork.

And in a young mind, I always dreamt of being that and emulating it at scale. 

At OfBusiness, we got a chance to do that. We never opt for any award or recognition individually unless it’s for the company or it comes uninvited (whence we have no option). We always decline all individual recognitions respectfully. (OfBusiness has won a few awards, though, all for the company).

As a somewhat good year for us draws to a close, many OFBians got the chance to feature in lists, awards, nominations, and recognitions. Each of us denied it and only accepted it for the company. And when they spoke for the company, they always attributed it to all of us OFBians together.

My heart swelled with pride when many of us did so. A childhood dream turning to reality.

Read more from CEO speaks Column:-
– Flipping Fate (A departure from my earlier posts)
– 25 years of growing up