Being genuine throughout your career is essential, says Miles Morgan chairman Miles Morgan
Two weeks ago I was one of the lucky ones invited to attend a Travel Weekly dinner at which Dame Irene Hays was the guest speaker.
Irene is an absolute power woman with a back story and list of achievements that are mind-blowing. Most – if not all – in attendance were left in awe as she detailed what she has done during her time in both the public and private sectors. I think even if I had an extra go at life, I might fall short of her success.
These types of events are strange in that everyone’s main takeaway will be different. The rules of the event preclude me from going into detail about the discussions, but I don’t think I am breaking rules by revealing she was asked how she drove her culture and values through her organisation. This really did make me think, because I think I know her magic.
My background in travel is quite rare. I have worked in corporate and now have my own business – and the two could not be more different. I found those days in corporate tough for many reasons and, interestingly, with the benefit of hindsight, I would love to have another go at it. That might sound like an odd thing to say and needs some more explaining. Ultimately, I hope I might help others by sharing the reasons.
Fitting in
When you have a job in a large corporate machine and are a small cog in a big wheel, it is odd how you behave. I found over time I lost ‘me’ and became ‘them’. I stopped being the Miles Morgan I was in personality and style, and felt a need to conform and behave like everyone else. I simply felt the need to fit in. At the time it felt normal and the right thing to do. But in hindsight, I regret it.
I now feel passionately that being you will always produce the best possible results in both your personal and business life. Being the true ‘you’ can at times cause problems, but you will still achieve a better result despite some potential bumps in the road.
Instead of saying ‘yes’ in a meeting because it is easier, say ‘no’ if it’s something you strongly believe in. Allow your personality to shine through and don’t feel shackled to suppress it in certain situations at work.
Losing out
So many large companies are full of bland individuals, who just do what they do, day in, day out. In reality, however, most of these individuals are not bland at all but instead suppress their true selves to make life easier and fit in. Companies miss out hugely on seeing what their employees can really do and achieve if they are not given the opportunity to remove the shackles.
In my business, I clown around frequently, am the butt of many a joke and don’t take myself too seriously. That is until it comes to looking after customers or my team, whose welfare is the number-one priority. Life can be fun at work – you can smile, laugh and joke around – but you need to adjust your game at the right time to deliver. A fun and happy environment enables people to achieve so much more because they are happy and they are themselves.
Many people live a lie for most of their corporate lives
Going back to Irene and her magic, the word I use to describe her is ‘authentic’. She doesn’t spout corporate words and visions. She truly believes everything she says and totally believes in her vision – listening to her talking about young people and apprentices is a great example.
Having known her for years, I know that Irene behaves like Irene, which makes for a powerful business. This might sound simplistic, but many people live a lie for most of their corporate lives.
So, if you are young and starting out in your travel career, here is some advice: try being the very best version of you and you could do very well.