Swimming With Sharks

Did you see the news about the pro surfer who found himself accidentally swimming with a shark?

It was during a competition off the coast of Africa. There he was, paddling on his board, patiently waiting for the next big wave, when a fin suddenly appeared behind him in the water. He couldn’t see it, yet the viewing audience saw it clearly.

The television announcers were shocked, their words “bleeped” out as the shark attacked the surprised surfer. There was a moment when we lost sight of both surfer and shark, which was terrifying, as rescuers jet-skied over, grabbing the stunned surfer and the other remaining competitor from the water.

Once on dry land, it was plain to see the surfer – despite being a seasoned professional – was clearly shaken. He kept repeating that he did not see the shark coming at all; it was a complete surprise. Luckily, his instinct took over and he punched the shark as he broke away and the rescuers swooped in.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “So glad that I don’t have to swim with sharks at work”.

Don’t be so sure.

Every once in a while we run into a shark at the office. Usually, office sharks are hard to spot. They are very good at disguising themselves as friendly, gentle creatures, similar to dolphins. They have friendly demeanors, are fun to eat lunch with and can be very smart.

The problem with an office shark is that they want something; usually recognition, credit, glory or information. The office shark wants something from you for their own personal gain and will stop at nothing to get it, including stabbing others in the back.

This happened to me once. (Note that I said “once”. I have been careful to not let it happen again.)

I had befriended a colleague who was nice, creative, smart and fun to be with. I was taken in by the generous spirit; we had fun at lunch. I thought this person had my back.

Others tried to warn me, saying this colleague was up to something. They even gave me examples of how this colleague had made shark bait out of others. Yet I defended my friend, saying others misunderstood. Clearly they didn’t see what I saw.

Apparently I was the one who needed glasses. Did not even see the knife coming.

Luckily, it was not a serious wound to my career, but it was to my ego and definitely broke any trust I had. We remained friendly, yet the relationship was never the same.

Thank goodness this doesn’t happen often. Most of the time, the office waters are calm.

Remember two things: First – never be the office shark. It’s a stain on your reputation that is almost impossible to erase.   And second – always keep your eyes open, in case one is lurking nearby.