Snakes and Ladders is one of the most popular board games of all time (okay, maybe of the 90’s). It also happens to be my favourite metaphor for the work environment. Snakes and Ladders perfectly describes the ups and downs of what we have affectionately come to know as, “the rat race”. It illustrates an intentional rise up the corporate ladder, which can feel like a comfortable trot or, on occasion, more like an exhilarating run leading to an ultimate “success high”. On an off-day though, you may become the victim of the “walk of shame” as you slide slowly down the slimy, slippery snake of missed deadlines, incorrect forecasts, and failed launches.

Just like the board game, the corporate environment doesn’t only foster win-win situations. On any given day, there has to be a winner and a loser. So, how do you avoid getting caught up in the pendulum of your work environment without relegating yourself to the sidelines and becoming the constant observer?

You do two things – you place all your focus on the quality of your work, and you disinvest yourself from the outcome. When you do your best by investing your time, energy, and skills, you automatically feel like a winner. The quality of your work will speak for itself and you’ll become less concerned with external praise. The process of producing noteworthy work is the “high” we all really seek. When you find yourself in that enviable position of creating a piece of work that could be published in the New York Times, you’ll soon realise that others will resonate with it as well.

If, for whatever external reason, you don’t win the prize or get the recognition you think you deserve, you’ll still be more inclined to appreciate your competitor’s effort than feel the need to cry, “foul”. If your perception of work is as limited as Snakes and Ladders and is only regarded as a win and lose platform, you’re likely to feel inadequate. These feelings of self-doubt are completely unnecessary.

I have no illusions about the importance of striving for greatness, going for the win, and being “all in”. However, I do know the painful reality that arises when young professionals wake up to a table full of accolades and an empty sense of self. Living by the “high” of the ladder and “low” of the snake is a terrible way to develop a career – unless of course, it’s all a game to you.