Lonely At The Top

Lonely at the Top

YOU!  Yes, you.  You are the above average employee.  Your work ethic is strong.  Your knowledge of your particular field puts you in the top 1%.  You are a hard worker.  You put in long hours.  You are a loyal and dedicated employee.  You are the one assigned extra tasks, responsibilities and projects.

You are also the target among the “average” crowd at work.  There are accusations on the color of your nose.  Others in your work section look at you and shake their head.

When a promotion or designation comes, your “co-worker friends” say they are happy for you.  But, you know better.  Some are jealous.  Others cannot believe they chose YOU.  Some create a “distance” between you and them.

Why is it so lonely at the top?

I don’t think there is an easy explanation.  Perhaps there are a number of answers to this question.

As you climb the corporate ladder, Caste system at work there are fewer and fewer people like you - the higher you climb.

The “average” person is just that AVERAGE.  Some are lazy or unmotivated.  Others are just passing their time – waiting for retirement.

The top can be lonely.

BUT, it also can be exciting, adventurous, challenging, fulfilling, and purposeful.

The key is to enjoy the journey.  Enjoy the opportunities and challenges afforded a person in your position.

Ya see, the minute you start looking at where you are at through “average” eyes – your climb and your journey will become drudgery.  Once you start looking at the negatives, the positive will disappear.  And, sadly – all the zest, adventure, and zeal drains out of you like a freshly snaked drain.

Yes, it is lonely at the top.  But the view is spectacular.

Understand that turkeys can never fly as high as eagles.  Eagles soar above the tree tops.  Turkeys have to duck and weave the branches in order to fly through the woods.

A turkey can never understand the view an eagle has.  A turkey cannot grasp an eagle’s desire to nest in the tree tops.  Turkeys rely on the tree branches for protection from the elements.  Eagles catch the currents of the wind and spread their wings wide to enjoy the view.

Is it lonely at the top?  You bet.  But soaring with other eagles challenges all the eagles to greater heights.

Over the years, I have had to come to an understanding that was shared with me by a mentor.  Some people in your life were put there for only a short season.  They were not meant to take the full journey with you.

That said, it does not make them bad people.  They just simply were not put in your life to make the entire journey with you. 

Don’t take your position in the tree tops for granted.  It’s a very quick (and sometimes devastating) tumble from the top.  And, many never regain their height after the fall. 

Respect the position you are at. 

You were the one chosen for the spot you are in.  You can handle the pressure, the work load, the decisions that need made and you have the creativity to continue growing.

Is it lonely at the top?

Yeah, but there is a reason why so many people look up at an eagle flying and stare with utter amazement.  They are a rare breed.

Have a great week.

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:
ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483