Very recently I received a power point presentation called the peacock in the land of penguins. In the final paragraphs it clarifies how in life and in organizations, creative people are recruited because fresh talent and creativity is required to rejuvenate the organization but then once “in”, the new recruits are put under pressure to conform to the older and staid rules of thinking and behaviour. Alas; this is life! The Ford Motor Co is a fine example of this malaise. In an organization, at least, the recruit has an option to leave and look elsewhere and many do. The misfortune of life is that all the cards are stacked in favour of those at the top in any hierarchy, be it commercial or social. A candidate who changes his organization or activity too often will not be seen as a multi-tasker and talented, rather this would almost certainly be seen as a sign of inconsistent behaviour and even failure.
Most people think, work and live their life generally with the prejudices that they tend to pick up in their short lives. A good professional education gives them the wherewithal to make something of their lives. Most are really capable and in their chosen field do rise to the top but soon get stuck in their own success. It is happening with clockwork regularity with all of us. Look around and you will see people with promise and acumen who were success stories in their prime now are stuck in their typical groove; nothing wrong in this except the fact that they are now in a position of authority and so involved with themselves that their eyes and minds are closed to all inputs differing from their own standpoints. It can be difficult for their juniors because they are not only in a position to stifle their juniors they do so with gusto. Their influence extends even to people in their surroundings; you can only be an extension to their selves.