How you treat people truly matters more than what you accomplish. Never be stubborn about it.
Of course, I was that stubborn person once. When I first joined the company, I was eager to perform well, but instead I ended up bruised and battered. However, this concept doesn't mean we should fawn over others, pander to them, or diminish ourselves. Rather, it's about learning to "think from others' perspectives"—standing in their shoes a little more often—which naturally leaves a more thoughtful impression.
Let me share two examples from my own experience. (Since I've worked in news media, you can adapt these to your own roles.)
First example: I used to work as a social media editor, responsible for quickly posting news to social platforms to drive traffic. But of course, the company ran multiple niche communities, not just one, and other departments had to protect their own territories (like sports, entertainment, travel, pets, etc.).
I managed the general news community covering all topics, while they ran niche communities. I noticed that when they posted important news slower than the general feed, their supervisors would "ask" why someone monitoring fewer article types than me—a smaller editor—would post later. Was their news sense lacking?
To ease her stress, I later adjusted my work approach. I'd first check if she'd posted, communicate what time we'd publish the article, wait for her to finish, and then send ours—usually just ten to twenty seconds later. It barely made a difference.
The benefits? First, she wouldn't get scolded. Second, our articles still got pushed out quickly. Third, our two units collaborated smoothly, reducing negative competition. If I hadn't adjusted, or if I'd knowingly let her take the heat, people might say I was deliberately picking on her.
A little extra thoughtfulness that doesn't hurt you but helps others actually benefits everyone. People are also more likely to trust you.
Second example: Again, it's about inter-departmental collaboration. My current role is in a news media company, receiving news updates and coordinating with on-site reporters. Field situations are unpredictable but the information is fresher; office staff knows about broader stories but not necessarily the fastest-breaking ones. That's the difference between them.
One day, we learned of a major breaking incident at the site, but the field reporter hadn't reported it yet. I deduced they probably hadn't received the information, so I didn't report it to management right away. Instead, I prepared the necessary images and text, then privately messaged the reporter with the details. I let them report it themselves, rather than letting my boss find out first and ask "Why didn't you report this?"
Because for some people, the on-site reporter is expected to know everything and be the primary source of information. If they miss something, it seems unforgivable. But I think field reporters have many unexpected situations to handle and no time to answer everyone's questions—they need to focus on gathering information.
What I could do was help fill in the gaps, so they wouldn't miss anything. By the time management learned about it, we had all the visuals and materials ready, the field reporter was already informed and ready to report, and both sides had complete information. We got through it safely, and they were genuinely grateful.
Learning to navigate these dynamics takes time, but I think the key to grasping it quickly is: "Treat coworkers as teammates" and "See each other as one team." I once learned a concept in a Carnegie-like course: "The team wins, the individual wins." It means that when the team wins, you win.
At first, I didn't understand this. I thought if I took care of myself, the team wouldn't falter. But actually, when you only focus on yourself, your team might be facing a crisis you're unaware of. Getting ahead while abandoning others is both immature and unwise.
It's like basketball. Someone might just want to dunk and show off, but defense requires coordination. Standing out alone gives the opposing team an opening. So ensuring your team gets through difficulties together is how you actually win.
Be a good person before you do good work. Think from others' perspectives. Make sure your team is okay, and you'll gain a reputation for being thoughtful and reliable.
(I'm not discussing flattery, bootlicking, or gift-giving here, by the way.)
【Key Insights from My First Job Series—Five Articles in Part 3】
Key Insights from My First Job (Part 3-1): Choose Your Boss As Carefully As Your Company
Key Insights from My First Job (Part 3-2): Stick to the Facts; Don't Let Emotions Drive You
Key Insights from My First Job (Part 3-4): You're Not Superhuman; Don't Take Everything On
