The Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote his epic masterpiece poem The Divine Comedy in the early 1300s. The poem tells the story of Dante’s travels into and out of Hell, accompanied by the Roman poet Virgil. There are nine circles (levels) of Hell - the worst being the ninth. The first eight are reserved for everything from sins against nature, to robbery and murder. The ninth circle is for those that commit the most heinous of crimes: betrayal. Dante wrote about four distinct types of betrayal found in the ninth circle. What would these four areas look like in the workplace?

Betraying Colleagues

“No problem, I am sure we can get that done for you…” “I knew he wasn’t going to close that deal…” “Between you and me, she shouldn’t get that promotion…”

Ever lie at work? Be someone’s best friend, then abandon them when trouble starts or errors are made? That is betrayal.

Betraying Your Organization

“I’ll never eat at one of our restaurants…” “I don’t use any of our products…” “How did we make THAT list? We aren’t that good…”

Ever say disparaging things about your organization? Tell friends not to buy the products your company sells? That is betrayal.

Betraying Those That Trust You

Ever say, “I need your best people on this project…” Knowing it was doomed to fail? Or…”If I was you, I’d go for it…” knowing full well it was a ‘career limiting move’ and would ruin the career of that person? That is betrayal.

Betraying Leaders

Every say this in confidence, “my manager has no idea what we’re supposed to do…” and in public to your manager, “I love working with you…your leadership gives our team great direction…” That is betrayal.

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Betrayal takes many forms in the workplace. Staying true to who you are, what you stand for, who and what you believe in, is difficult. Be persistent.

Persistence isn’t using the same tactics over and over. That’s just annoying. Persistence is having the same goal over and over. (Seth Godin)

Joe Raasch :: Mar.15.2008 :: Leadership, Life :: 2 Comments »