The True Reason We Stay Late at Work

To young leaders.

I was very fortunate to have worked closely for six years with the late, great John R Caldon, former Deputy MD of Macquarie Group. Like all great leaders, John had an acute understanding of human nature and a talent for pithy expression.

In 1997, we were working late one night when John asked me to join him on a quick wrap around the office to check on the progress of various projects.

When we had finished our rounds, John paused to survey the office and remarked: “Take a look, Adam. It’s almost 9.00pm and about half the team is still back here working.”

After a pause, John asked rhetorically: “Why do you think they’re here and not back at home with their families?”

“Because they’re ambitious. Because they want to get ahead”, I obliged.

“Yep, you’re right Adam – but actually they’re here because they have a chip on their shoulder. They want to prove something to someone – that they’re better than others think they are. Deep down of course, they’re trying to prove it to themselves, but shhh, don’t tell them that.” And then he winked and smiled.

As we walked back to his office, John added mischievously: “That’s why you and I are working back late tonight, Adam. Once we have nothing to prove, we will go home too.”

I would now add – “we will go home, or else commit to a higher purpose.”