The Musketeer Approach

Stories of intrigue, treachery, politics, lies, double crosses, and power struggles fill the history books, much like they fill today's headlines. In the world of the 17th century musketeer, life depended on who you could trust. In the world of the 21st century employee, one's livelihood may.

I'm not naïve to corporate politics, competition, or sabotage in the workplace. I've held my own in corporations where silos, turf wars and power brokers delivered indigestion, sleepless nights, and distrusting cultures. But I still don't get it. When people are more focused on what's happening in the cube next to them than on achieving corporate goals, everyone loses. When corporate politics fill emails with mixed direction stalling productivity, everyone loses. And when discretionary effort and new ideas are swallowed in pits of bureaucracy, guess what? Everyone loses. The way I see it, if the company fails, we all fail.

So, I believe the Three Musketeers got it right: "All for one and one for all!" Each understood his fate as an individual was tied to their fate as a group. Trusting each other was unambiguous. One was in trouble, they all were in trouble. One needed help, they all provided help. One succeeded, they all succeeded. The fiction of Alexandre Dumas, set in the 17th century, seems a good prescription for the 21st century workplace.

I know it's worked for me. Arriving at a new job, I discovered the boss who hired me was away, and no one expecting me. I found no office, no desk, and no information. The person I was hired to replace was in my job, and had no idea I was replacing her. Each week got worse. Information and requests flowed like water through a clogged pipe. I was out of the loop on important issues and viewed like the enemy. Turning to my boss for guidance was like stepping into a sink hole, as I discovered his credibility and the department's lacking.

I realized if I was to survive, I had to find, win over, and/or develop a handful of people I could trust. It took a difficult year, but the payoff lasted an entire career. Gradually the group of trusted colleagues grew. We never thought of ourselves as musketeers, but by our actions, we became them. Unspoken rules of ethics and integrity prevailed. We looked beyond individual interests. We shared ideas, collaborated on projects, borrowed resources, and worked together easily and enthusiastically. We wanted the best for each other and the best for the company, each of us worrying about more than our own five acres.

Unspoken commitments prevailed. If I was in trouble or asked for help, help was given. I was called upon to step up and provide help too. We all knew our musketeer roles required reciprocity. The bottom line was that helping each other succeed, helped each of us succeed. I don't know where I'd be today without the musketeer approach. My advice? Become a musketeer!

(c) 2004 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Nan's free biweekly eColumn at www.winningatworking.com. Nan Russell has spent over twenty years in management, most recently with QVC as a Vice President. She has held leadership positions in Human Resource Development, Communication, Marketing and line Management. Nan has a B.A. from Stanford University and M.A. from the University of Michigan. Currently working on her first book, Winning at Working: 10 Lessons Shared, Nan is a writer, columnist, small business owner, and online instructor. Contact Nan at info@nanrussell.com.

---

3 Creative Job Search Tactics

It's a fact: the best jobs attract loads of competition.... Read More

Are You Tired of Hiring Other Peoples Rejects? - 12 Mistakes Recruiters Make and How To Avoid Them

When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his... Read More

Hiring the OverQualified Employee or Mining for Gold

I am having a hard time understanding why a valuable... Read More

Three Steps to Writing Your Own Resume

While most professionals hire a professional resume writer, some draft... Read More

Workplace Violence - 8 Tips For Spotting Early Warning Signs

One of the greatest threats facing both employees and the... Read More

Are You Ready For A New Career?

Is your current or most recent job truly what you... Read More

Workplace 911

I've watched a few episodes of Nanny 911 and with... Read More

Hot Business Trends for 2004? And Beyond: Maybe One Will Turn Into a Creative Business Idea for You

I always look forward to the December issue of... Read More

How To Find A Telecommute Job

The answer may be easier than you think, but there's... Read More

Just a Series of Choices

Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?

Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More

How To Answer Your Call In Mid-Life

Hank Bochenski's story proves it is never too late to... Read More

Do I Have to Provide a Salary History?

Often you see job postings with a request such as... Read More

Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest... Read More

Are Online Degrees Valid to Prospective Employers?

Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent... Read More

Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job

1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More

Work at Home Jobs Vs Self Employment

Work at Home Jobs vs Owning a Home Based BusinessNot... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

Any Job is an Honorable Job

Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning... Read More

Reading the Want Ads--Not for Jobs--For Information

What? Want ads are where job announcements are, not information!Wait!... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More

Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More

Employment Law: Attendance Rewards - Legal Ramifications

If you were thinking of offering your employees special rewards... Read More

Writing a Resume: To Template or Not To Template?

Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing a... Read More

Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part Two

Half the battle in successfully managing your emotions during a... Read More

Ebook Review: Winning a Job is Easier with Job Secrets Revealed

IntroductionThere are literally thousands, if not tens of thousands of... Read More

Career Search from Within

Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing... Read More

Dress For Success

You have heard the phrase, "Dress for Success." This is... Read More

Writing a Must-Read Cover Letter

If you want to land an interview, you'll need more... Read More

Goal Setting - Road Map To Achieving Your Career Goals

Goal Setting & ResearchYou can only set informed career goals... Read More

Is a Career Change on Your Horizon?

Making a career change is nothing new in today's job... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

5 Ways to Drastically Improve Your Resume in 10 Minutes of Less

Follow these quick and easy tips to build yourself a... Read More