Regardless of how successful you are, comparison with colleagues is inevitable. Corporate bohemians are generally honourable and proud people, they care primarily about their own achievements and success. However, it is important to be aware of the environment at all times, and notice changes with all implications, as they occur.

When we talk about the success of colleagues and our appropriate reactions, there are different situations that need to be explored. Interesting scenarios occur when the progressing individuals have too many flaws, and little positive qualities.

• Someone stupid is rapidly progressing – this is a situation which brings out the cynical features of bohemians. Bohemians may party hard and enjoy life, but they do it in a very intelligent way. They also work in a very intelligent way and expect their colleagues to be smart as a necessary minimum. If stupid people are given variety of opportunities and support from the Leadership in a Corporation, this completely changes the way a Corporate Bohemian sees the organisation. Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is frustrating. Here are a few approaches you may take to deal with such frustration:
  • Disregard for a while, let the fool struggle and then help them sort out the mess they will have created by then. There is always a way to help, just do it sincerely and gracefully. Remember that this is not about competing with the fool, so don’t get down to that level.
  • Discuss your emotions with fellow Corporate Bohemians in the office who will understand. Laugh about it, be a bit cynical, but don’t be mean! Never be mean to people behind their backs, but feel free to let them know what you think, as appropriate. Just do it sensibly and with respect, preferably framing your comments as advice. For example, it is fine to tell them that they can be better prepared to do their new role or complete a task successfully, if they: read.. (name a few books you have read); talked to.. (name some of your contacts that have more information), etc.
  • Most importantly: Focus on your own development and make sure you have the right conversations taking place. You need to be clear about where do you want to go and how, otherwise lucky fools will always get the good jobs. Take care for yourself.
• Someone smart is progressing in their career
  • Be happy, congratulate them, help them, and get them to help you. Since you are intelligent, you can afford to be happy for others.
  • In case the smart person who is progressing is really bad as a person, just disregard. He/she may be a jerk, but a smart jerk. You may learn something from that person.
  • Most importantly: Focus on your own development and make sure you have the right conversations taking place. Yes, that’s repeated.

After all, everything changes. People get promoted and get sacked. The most important thing is not to get too emotional about work, and just keep on pursuing your own goals. Indeed, it is sometimes challenging to keep calm and disregard the bad surprise/frustration of seeing fools/jerks climb up the ladder, but this is a part of the game. Regardless how rigorous the Recruitment and Talent Management practices in a Corporation may be, inappropriate promotions will always occur. Just focus on your own development and make sure you have conversations with the right senior stakeholders taking place, so that you have the job you want!