There are times when I’ve tried to inject a little personality into the workplace with senior execs and it doesn’t play well. Sometimes you come off as a bit of a loose cannon (or perhaps it’s just my quirky personality), so you come to the conclusion that it’s best to play it safe in the workplace.

Most leaders look for politically correct, talented, serious minded individuals they can depend upon to drive people in a diplomatic fashion to efficiently get the job done without offending anyone. Period. Only if you conquer these initial qualities can you then safely consider somewhat politically incorrect behavior with others in the workplace.

Typically, it’s only when you are in a leadership position that you have the luxury of letting loose and adding your personal style and touch to situations at work. But the amount of personality you are able to safely inject into your workplace situations should only be equal to your level in the company.

That said, the older I get, the less I care about being politically correct. In my case, I have a “take me as I am” attitude while still focusing on doing a good job for the company which is providing my salary and benefits. It becomes a simple expectation of doing the job expected of me in exchange for the salary I expect from my employer.

What does this mean?

The sad reality is that such individuals often move up the ladder and hold positions of control. And while they might “manage” people one day, these individuals will never actually “lead” anyone.

In time, amongst real leaders, their weaknesses, failures, and petticoat riding will become evident. The adaptive behavior that once allowed them to succeed, will actually lead to their professional demise.