Knowledge worker - the epitome of success
A MAN and Armaan started their career with an MNC in the same year. Both were similarly qualified and nursed the same kind of hopes, dreams and aspirations as any other youngster. Five years down the line, Aman was still hoping for his long- awaited promotion, while Armaan had already broken into big league with prestigious projects, challenging assignments, big money, status and recognition coming his way. Bitter about his lack of success, and a little jealous of the extraordinary growth of his rival, Aman blamed the company for being prejudiced and partisan.
He finally plucked enough courage to ask his manager, a genial and helpful gentleman, the reason behind his dismal failure and the secret of Armaan's extraordinary success. `We have the same qualifications and years of experience. Why is it that every windfall opportunity, and every stroke of luck falls into Armaan's lap? Why is it that he is treated differently from the rest of us mortals?'
`That is because', said the manager, `he is indeed different from the rest of us mortals. Armaan is a knowledge worker.'
Though hard to digest, the fact was that while Aman was an average worker, Armaan was a cut above the rest when it came to work. He was motivated, ambitious, independent- thinking and highly evolved as an individual. As far as he was concerned, work was worship. Therein lay the difference between Aman and Armaan. As the manager succinctly put it, Armaan was different, because he was a knowledge worker.
In this competitive era, companies look for people who can do a job and do it best. The knowledge worker is best able to deliver the goods, because for him acquiring knowledge in itself is a key driver.
Who is a knowledge worker?
Knowledge workers are highly evolved, highly motivated, self- thinking and self-acting individuals who do not work merely for the sake of money. Work is an energiser as far as they are concerned and they strive for excellence in both professional and personal life. They tend to be loyal not to their organisations, but to their professions; they seek out and thrive on excitement and challenges. Knowledge workers form the core of a learning culture as they have the ability to acquire, apply, create and share knowledge. Talented knowledge workers are what the companies want.
Knowledge workers are value creators and hence are a pampered lot. We have organisations wooing them with a whole song and dance routine. Talent costs big bucks may be, but it is money well spent. You find companies opting to give them a stimulating job profile, big money, quick growth opportunities and development through constant training. Their appetite for challenge is constantly whetted through challenging projects and experiments. They are encouraged to innovate, seek knowledge outside the walls of the organisation and offered international exposure. This, apart from the fat pay cheques and life-style perks that the rest of us can only dream about.
Needless to say, knowledge worker has arrived!
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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