Here is a dilemma I face with many people I talk with inside my coaching practice and outside: Do you need to produce quality work or showcase your work to be successful?
That’s a trick question. And a false choice.
It’s like asking: is it nature or nurture that shapes who we become? Is it the genes or the environment that affects our being?
Well… what do you think?
The False Choice Trap
A lot of smart people fall into this trap. They pick a side — just work hard or just focus on influence. They say:
“If the work is good, it’ll speak for itself.”
Or
“It’s all about optics. Just package it well.”
But we need to stop and consider the possibility that maybe it is both. We need both.
Ice Cream on Dirt Still Tastes Yucky
Here’s the danger at both ends of the spectrum:
Some people go heads-down, build something amazing, and then… no one notices.
Or a great engineer accomplishes an impactful technical advance, but gets passed up for that well-deserved promotion.
Why? Because they keep arguing in their heads and with their well-wishers that great work speaks for itself. It does, but great work does not shout. It whispers. And they did not hold the mic up to the whisper of their work.
Others learn the art of influence, storytelling, and visibility — but forget to put substance behind it.
That’s like putting ice cream on dirt. It might look yummy, but eventually, it is disgusting. They might gets short-term results here and there, but they end up insecure and empty in the long-run.
They get promoted to the level of their incompetence and spend their time being insecure there.
Polarity everywhere
East vs. West. Science vs. Spirituality. Output vs. Optics.
This polarity shows up everywhere.
Politics. Culture. Religion. Careers.
One side isn’t better than the other. Both have value.
The real power is in blending. Choosing elements from each side that work for you, and discarding the rest.
There is beauty on both sides of the spectrum, and our job as individuals is to pick and choose the parts we find attractive and incorporate in our lives. The goal is not to bash the other side to win some little argument for our puny ego’s sake. The goal is to live an effective life, by incorporating elements of left and right ideologies, of science and spirituality, or eastern and western ideals.
You don’t need to win an argument. Better yet, there is no argument except for the one going on in your head all the time.
You don’t need to win an argument. You need to live an effective life.
Taking sides vs. Wholeness
I have seen in my coaching work that real growth is not about taking sides. It’s about Wholeness.
In deep coaching work, I don’t tell people:
"You need to speak up more" or "You just need to focus on results."
That is not my judgement to make. Instead, we look together to find: Where is the gap?
What part of your expression, your effort, or your environment is underdeveloped?
Then we grow that part — not to please others, but to align with your values.
That’s the work I do. That’s the work I live. And every time I think I’ve nailed it, life throws me a curveball. In that sense, this continues to be my own work in my own life. When I start to think I am unbiased or I am centered, a situation arises that makes me realize that there is a path ahead to be travelled. We are the fellow travelers on the same path.
We’re all on the same journey — figuring it out, one step at a time.
Discovering blind spots
Want to Shine Light on Your Blind Spots?
I’m hosting a free webinar next week on: The 3 Keys to Getting a 6-Figure Raise or Promotion in Tech.
I have seen way too many people who struggle with one end of the spectrum. With the focus on the whole (and the three pillars), a lot of peace and success comes people’s way.
If you’ve ever wondered why others get noticed and you don’t — despite your effort — this webinar is for you. You can sign up here: https://lu.ma/kkhsb1ga
Until next time, strive for success and live in harmony,
— Yogi