The Power Parodox: Gaining Influence Without Losing Integrity

When I started working my current job, I had no idea that I would still be here 16+ years later. The longest tenure I had was (5) years. I really didn’t think this one would be any different. I was a young 27yr old just 3yrs out of undergrad. I was used to having jobs. I was not really focused on a career because I had it at the back of my mind that I was going to be an entrepreneur. If you have read my earlier posts, you will understand that I have had these aspirations since my early years in college. You can find more about these aspirations in the post entitled, “From Knowledge to Value: How I Raised My Intellectual Capital.” 

I remember having conversations with a coworker and telling him that I was going to be in the role for about 5yrs and then I was going to go off and do my own thing. Little did I know that life was going to hit me with punch after punch. I still had this naïve mentality that things would just work themselves out. Even though my career was paying me more than my jobs ever could pay, financial responsibilities were morphing from ant hills to mountains. Debt was growing faster than weeds in a garden. I was getting overwhelmed because, to this point, I was shielded from the siblings that destroy wealth building; inflation and compound interest.

I got my 2-3% raise every year (except for a few due to organizational issues) but I realized that something had to change financially when Kid President came along. I asked God to help me because I believed that my financial landscape would change because a gift was being given to us and we didn’t believe that God would leave us high and dry. I set my mind on a new salary that would be needed to retire my wife so she could stay home with our baby, and we did not have to worry about daycare on top of the other financial burden. God not only met that financial goal but shattered it by making sure that I got a market adjustment for my position, and another raise or two within a period of less than a year.

I have been fortunate enough to have conversations and learn from executives over the years. But I still carry the wisdom shown and taught to me by elders and ancestors. They taught me to always remember where I came from. As I got older, I realized that they were not trying necessarily trying to keep me from advancing, but they were impressing upon my spirit to never forget those who paved the way for me. This wisdom has helped me to stay humble despite my personal achievements. This has helped me to remember that even though I have some degrees that added letters behind my name and even though I have received two position changes in the past two years I must never forget who God put in my life to help me carry out these goals.

As I sit here on the cusp of finally having a chance to move into a leadership role on my current job. I could not help but to reflect upon everything this employment has taught me over the years. Primarily, I have learned patience. I have seen that the corporate world’s timing does not always reflect reality. I have helped to train (3) of the (6) Help Desk Managers that have been here since I have been employed. This has taught me that I must be a decent trainer. I have been a reliable source of information for years. This is not because I am all knowing but because I enjoy teaching. I have built alliances with people throughout the organization by starting with a simple acknowledgment of their humanity. I never know whose knowledge and ability I will have to tap into with future endeavors. I did not realize it, but I have been practicing and learning the skills of an effective entrepreneur. Because of past mistakes, I have been like the Children of Israel in the Wilderness in the Old Testament. It has just taken me 20yrs or so to mature enough to view my work life as a business partnership. No matter what is decided in the coming days, no one can take away the valuable lessons that God has taught me over the years.

On this day, I will do at least one thing that will advance me toward one of my goals, and I know that I will be able to do this and maintain my integrity.

Eric V. Copage