Squid Game at Work

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What It’s About: I’m giving a speech this week and it’s a tongue-in-cheek play on Netflix’ blockbuster hit, Squid Game. (That’s an ironic statement in its own right, considering Netflix put Blockbuster out of business, haha).

Of course, I do not want to make light of the dark themes underlying this series. Those of you who’ve watched it know what I mean. However, it did get me thinking that there are behaviors to avoid getting knocked out of the playing field at work. What are a few?

So What?: When one has 40 years of executive experience, it’s a little bit easier to look in the rear view mirror to learn what to avoid. The following are a few big time “no no’s.” They may seem obvious but employees make these mistakes all the time.

1. Misunderstanding loyalty.

Make sure when your boss demands loyalty, you know what that means. You may think your boss wants you to speak up for what you believe is the best for the greater good, when really they want you to provide undying, uncontested support. For these leaders, blind loyalty is more important than necessarily doing what you think is the right thing. If this conflicts with your integrity, it’s a “no win” outcome for you. (P.S. I personally can’t work for these kinds of leaders and I learned that the hard way)!

2. Not being self-accountable.

No one wants to work with someone who likes to point fingers at others, and often deflects responsibility. If it’s always someone else’s fault, you’ll be eliminated sooner than later.

3. Thinking you can share confidential information to a “friend” at work.

If people think you can’t be trusted to be discreet, it’s a very career limiting matter. When it comes to sharing things in confidence, expecting that it will not be repeated often proves to be naive. Everyone has a confidential friend at work. Don’t be an unwitting conduit for rumors, speculation, gossip, etc. Be thoughtful about what the agenda is when people confide in you.

4. Letting your ego lead the way.

People scrutinize your actions. If they believe that the primary motive for the actions you take are mostly to advance yourself, things will ultimately end badly. They won’t want you on the team.

5. All hat, no cattle.

Some people can talk a good game, and can’t get much done. Eventually people will conclude that you show better than you produce, and will avoid working with you.

Now What?: We are imperfect humans, and each of us is susceptible to doing one or more of the above. We make mistakes. However, if we end up doing too much of these five, we are likely to have a disappointing experience working with others. Metaphorically, as is in the Squid Game, you will be eliminated.

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: These are all green light, strong tugging strategies to stay alive in the work world, that are as durable as tempered glass and haven’t lost their marbles. Just hope you don’t select the umbrella. (P.S. if you haven’t seen Squid Game, this won’t make any sense to you).

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis.

Squid Game at Work

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