Another consistent theme is internal company politics. “I have
become disillusioned with my role in corporate America; too much
politics and not enough reward for value given,” says one manager
at a large company. Another says, “My ambition is now tempered
by the increased level of stress, chaos, and uncertainty in the workplace.” A manager at a large company reflects, “Having a child took
a lot of the drive out of my ambition. It opened my eyes to what is
truly important in my life. Those above me work 24/7, and the
politics are fierce. I don’t find the game attractive anymore. I get
more satisfaction out of Green Eggs and Ham.”
The irony is that a dramatic decrease in work ambition can actually improve business. Executives and managers who better balance
their work and family life will bring to their job a healthier and
broader perspective. A personally balanced view from the top also
can trickle down to the troops the idea that a more balanced life is
OK.
Efficiency can increase, as managers push more for project execution so they can get home sooner. “As my kids get older, I am
more willing to prioritize my projects at work to spend time with
them,” says one manager.
This reprioritization of work and home life, coupled with the
death of the extreme work ambition of the past, will give birth to
a new kind of ambition. Rather than the intense, self-centered
ambition of the late nineties, there will be new, balanced leaders
with a more external viewpoint.