Because then I belong to the system. Belonging to the tribe ensures my survival. In many organizations I see patterns that could be summarized in these sentences:
– If I am tired, I prove my commitment.
– If I am overloaded, I show how valuable I am.
– If I sacrifice myself, I prove my loyalty.
Many organizations unconsciously reward exhaustion. And belonging is one of our most basic human needs. To belong I agree to the rules of the game.
Whether I like it or not, I stay loyal to the game even when I understand how much it hurts me and my family-life outside of work.
This is why well-being strategies and classical leadership techniques (e.g., time management, delegation, responsibility etc.) often don’t work. We are not dealing with hidden loyalties.
Belonging equals loyalty and loyalty equals overextension. This is how systems sustain themselves – through invisible agreements.
So the questions is: if I stop overworking, am I still part of the tribe? What is the price I’m ready to pay for belonging?
