This series of post is inspired by a sermon delivered by a Thai monk, Luang Por Jarun. He taught his lay disciples how to make their boesses like them. In that way, they can do well in their career. The sermon by Luang Por Jarun are in yellow boxes. My comments are not coloured.

12. Abstain from creating any conflicts, tale-bearing, or create animosity amongst colleague

This practice is very Buddhist because we value peace and try our best to upkeep peace in our community. This is because conflict is driven by hatred and hatred is one of the key mental afflictions that prevents enlightenment. When we cause conflict among people, we are creating karma for people to magnify their anger and hatred. Therefore, the creation of a schism or conflict among people brings us tons of bad karma.

In this manner, we avoid gossiping and tale-bearing because they promote misunderstanding.

Chaos and conflict in the workplace will be detrimental to the business. Therefore, it is common sense to avoid doing that if we wish to be in the good book of our bosses.

13. Don’t indulge in our personal affairs while working

This is actually an expected discipline for all employees. However, people tend to think that they are entitled to their own free time during work. For example, engaging friends in a group chat, preparing religious lessons for Sunday School, doing charity work, planning a vacation itinerary, taking a short nap, and for salespeople, going to the movie while on the pretext of vising a customer… etc.

While our bosses may be understanding and forgiving, a constant abuse of their goodwill will gradually erode their trust. This is naturally bad for our career.

Therefore, the best policy is to devote 100% of our time and energy to our work during our working hours.

14. Don’t bad-mouth our previous boss/company to our current ones.

This is actually a career suicide. Not only should we refrain from telling our current boss, we should refrain from telling any of our current colleagues. This is because words will spread.

When we say bad things about our previous bosses, we divulge the negativities in our minds. It is actually showing an ugly side even if we are speaking the truth. Think about it. Our present boss is unlikely to clarify what we said with our previous bosses. That means they will have doubt in their heart. Therefore, we are planting the seed for our present bosses to doubt us! Unwise, right?

And even if they call our previous company to check up on what we say, do you think our previous company/boss will humbly admit ill-treating us or being wrong?

Therefore, we will end up on the losing end, no matter what. I think this advice by Luang Por is very important.

What about changing supervisor? For example, our manager resigned and a new manager joins the company. Then the new manager requests our feedback about his/her predecessor. Remember, this advice will still stand. Do not say anything bad!

To be continued.

May all be well and happy.