Think.
As a seasoned, successful professional, what’s the single most overlooked or understated factor behind where you have reached today?
It’s a common question posed to those who have reached the pinnacle of their career or the rising stars – who’ve achieved much in a short period and have the potential to reach the top or thereabouts.
And what are the most heard answers?
Determination. Focus. Hard Work. Perseverance. Talent, etc.
You are likely to hear one of these nine out of ten times.
My reply has always been being in the right place at the right time.
I speak for myself. If I had not been there, I would not have been considered.
There are many deserving candidates out there. But not all such individuals are in the right place at the right time.
Don’t get me wrong. All the traits mentioned above, as part of the most common answers, are essential, too. But, before that, you must get your foot in the door.
This story will bear me out.
When Serendipity Strikes
It goes back to how I found my second job in New Delhi Television in the mid-nineties. NDTV was an aspirational workplace for many who joined TV journalism. I made it there by chance.
NDTV had not advertised for this position. If Shekhar, a former colleague, had not arrived home to collect my article, I would never have discovered this opportunity.
“Why are you dressed so formally today,” I asked him.
“I have a job interview at NDTV,” he said.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I’d have applied too,” I demanded to know.
“It’s a job in the production department. You are a journalist. I didn’t think you would be interested,” he replied.
I was keen to apply. I grew up watching ‘The World This Week’ (TWTW) and was fascinated with the show. It was super slick. The content was top-notch, and the presentation riveting.
When Shekhar mentioned the opening was for a position in team TWTW, this was an opportunity I did not want to miss.
But I couldn’t just walk in. I had to secure an appointment.
I headed to the nearest payphone, called NDTV, and asked to connect me to the Chief Producer, Shivani Jajodia.
Each time I called, Shivani was busy in meetings, in the Production Control Room, or on the editing floor. It took me four attempts over three hours to speak to her finally. I introduced myself and requested to be included among the interviewees. She kindly agreed.
I was selected for the job. Now you know how it happened by chance.
Was I the best candidate for the job? Perhaps not. However, my interviewer found me to be the best among the candidates who showed up for the interview.
Ponder for a moment! Doesn’t this apply to almost all the selections in diverse fields?
We feel on top of the world and assume we are the best. But rarely is that the case.
Back to the story.
Once I joined, I had to work hard to compete with others.
In every workplace, ascending the hierarchy gets progressively more challenging as you climb the ladder. It gets narrower at the top. Only a few can get there. My colleagues were very talented, so I immersed myself in work to learn and grow.
Every two or three years, I found a chance to grow. I did my best to make the most of it. I accumulated small achievements as I progressed.
Seven years into the job, I was considered for a significant opportunity to produce a flagship show helmed by the Managing Editor. I had to live up to the new responsibility. It was BIG.
Having been entrusted with this role, I wanted to make a difference. I was determined to prove my boss right for having picked me. I had no illusions about any superlative talent in me. I was an average young professional. So I focussed on the job with all my attention.
I requested my boss to let me direct the show. I’d be better positioned to shape the product as a producer and director.
I had not directed before. It wasn’t tough because I loved what I did. The results were visible over time.
I was considered for the next-level role in a year and a half. And, in just a few months, the next one, a step-up in a startup. And a few more thereafter in my current workplace.
I had to prove my credentials at every step in my career. But I was already there, so I could work toward making it to the consideration set.
Destiny And Determination
Often, we miss the point. It starts with access, which means being in the right place at the right time.
To be considered, you will first need to be there.
But it’s not enough to get a foot in the door. You have to make the best of the opportunities.
And for that, you need many or all of these: Determination. Focus. Hard Work. Perseverance. Talent etc.
While the latter attributes are much spoken of, the former is not.
Call it destiny, luck, fate, or blessings of elders; what’s critical is to be in the right place at the right time. Without it, you wouldn’t get access.
Do you have one such story? I’d love to hear yours.
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