How to navigate the challenging corporate environment?

10 rules to help you navigate the challenging corporate environment:

Rule 1: Accept your uniqueness

Understand yourself, your strength and weakness. Leverage upon your strength and work on areas of weaknesses. Eg. I was always good at research, so I picked up tasks involving research and delivered great piece of articles / presentations. I was weak in people management, so I worked hard on my communication and tried being likeable in an authentic way.

Rule 2: Be fearless. The fear of being judged/ scolded will only hamper your work.

Being calm and composed during a stormy situation is an art I'm trying to master! The people around you should feel that calm & positive vibe. Being calm also helps to plan & execute with a positive mindset.

Rule 3: Grab the opportunities to showcase your skills.

Opportunities don't often come knocking your door, but when they come, be sure to recognize them. While I was working at a big4 firm, there was a client assignment where only I and my Manager had to deliver the work. This was not normal as that work demanded more people to work on it. I made sure that I do detailed analysis and send the final deliverable without any mistake. This instilled trust in my Manager which came long way!

Rule 4: Be greedy for your ambitions- whether you are a working women or a working mother. We, women, are often told that after marriage/childbirth, seek a 'comfortable' work life. Don't go out for more.

I say, don't say no to more opportunities. Don't let anyone or any situation dictate to you who you are and who you can be. Seek help from your family, friends or even colleagues at work to balance personal life with professional life.

I know its easier said than done, I have done it but fight for your dreams. No one else will fight for your dreams but only you can. Do not settle on your dreams.

Rule 5: You will make mistakes, you will fail. Accept it, apologize, analyze, learn from it and rise like a Phoenix .

Early in my career, I was criticized for silly mistakes in the deliverable. There I learned the fact that you can't ignore the basics. I also learnt to go that extra mile to beautify the final piece to an extent till it becomes a masterpiece. I made sure to implement it next time.

Rule 6: Take risks

After spending about 5 years in tax consulting, I wanted to change my domain and come on the business side. People warned me that it might prove fatal to move on a different path after 5 years. But, I anyways took a calculated risk to shift the trajectory and I'm glad I didn't fail as I backed it with my 100%.

Rule 7: Surround yourself with right people. People with positive & growth mindset and not the ones with a complaining attitude & grumpy face. Because people are the greatest influencers in your journey.

Rule 8: No matter what you do, you will not be able to please everyone.

Rule 9: Don't take your work as your identity.

Rule 10: Don't forget to enjoy at work as you spend 2/3rd of your life at work!