Sometimes, a day at work feels more like you’re living in a story. Everywhere you look, you see threads of drama coming together to weave a Shakespearean-level plot.
You’re not crazy. It’s real, and it’s because the business world has all of the ingredients of great storytelling: conflicts, ruthless competitors, complex character dynamics, deep-seated motivations, and countless unresolved wounds.
For example, you’ve probably met (at least) one of the characters below:
The Rising Star: This hero character is full of ambition. He wants more of everything: revenue, success, power. This character’s determination can drive innovation and growth while inspiring others, but…
The character’s flaw is avarice. It’s only a matter of time until he reaches the crossroad of do what’s right or get what I want. The decision defines his legacy.
The General: Another hero character, usually a natural leader with a ton of charisma. This character shares the wealth and enjoys loyal lieutenants and soldiers in return. He’s busy basking in adulation and success.
The character’s hubris is his Achilles’ heel. His confidence blinds him to the dark clouds on the horizon, threatening his empire. By the time he recognizes the storm, it’s too late.
The Traitor: This villain archetype smiles to your face while gripping the knife he’ll sink into your back. He’ll betray you and anyone else the moment his success depends on it.
The Victim: Every battle creates three things: a winner, a loser, and collateral damage. Consider the hard-working manager who doesn’t get the promotion simply because someone else played the political game a little better, or the account manager who puts up with daily abuse to keep the rent paid and the kids fed only to be let go because the company’s Rising Star flamed out, or the sales pro who hit a dry spell and falls victim to a Traitor who’s been patiently waiting. Victim stories are, unfortunately, plentiful.
On top of these archetypal characters and the trouble they bring, we have a volatile setting to contend with. Markets shift with little, if any, warning. Technological advancements (like AI) rewrite job descriptions and eliminate others. All the while, we’re at the mercy of buyer preferences, which can change overnight.
