Why Some Get Promoted Poem by Dr Vidya Hariharan

The annual promotion list arrives,
You are shocked, others are surprised,
The ones you thought did nothing
Have advanced, while some you assumed
would grow and flourish, did nothing of the sort.

The office is a peculiar place,
It rewards work done in obedience,
It rewards the smile and the friendliness,
It rewards the praise lavished on the superior,
It rewards the game and those who play.

The office cannot stand those who speak
Uncomfortable truths, question systems,
Initiative and intelligence, point to errors,
Complete the work and leave on time,
Raise their voice in support of what's right.

The office is a tough place to be
It's not about work, but the exhibition
And visibility of faux talent.
It takes a very rare boss to recognise
True talent and offer encouragement.
And if you are lucky enough to work under such a one
You would have found a mentor for life.
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