Company & Imitation

Never do I miss the opportunity to remind youngsters of the significance of associating with people of substance. Be it a university convocation, social gathering or office meeting, young individuals are always exhorted to seek the company of those who have made their mark in their professions and vocations.

Men and women who are focused and remain irrevocably committed to an objective invariably achieve it. Success is the result of hard work. There are no shortcuts. Those who pursue success through deceptive or questionable means soon discover its fragility—success does not sustain itself if built on deceit.

In choosing our company, great care must be exercised. At times, the environment may not be of our choosing. If colleagues around your workstation fall short both personally and professionally, the situation can become difficult—especially if changing the department, division, or organisation is beyond your control. In such cases, one must either seek greener pastures or have the grit and courage to challenge and improve the surroundings. This, of course, is easier said than done—alternative employment is scarce in a stagnant economy, and transforming group dynamics is a daunting task.

While attempting both—finding new opportunities and improving work culture—it is essential to remain vigilant so that no negative traits rub off on you. It is natural to conform to group behaviour. We are all susceptible to the influence of our environment. If most friends smoke, the likelihood of picking up the habit increases. The effect of company is far-reaching. “Tell me thy company, and I will tell thee what thou art” (Cervantes).

Since school years, we have been reminded of the adage, “A man is known by the company he keeps.” It is better to suffer with good men than to enjoy a feast with the wicked—or as a Spanish proverb says, it is better to weep with wise men than to laugh with fools.

Temptations to adopt group behaviour are abundant. Being social creatures, humans have a built-in mechanism to accept the practices and norms of their society. Most wish to appear unique, yet behavioural traits shaped by collective influence often lie dormant, emerging in certain situations.

If the negative habits of society can influence our attitudes and actions, so too can the positive ones. This is precisely why parents, teachers, and mentors encourage us to seek the company of virtuous people—so that we may absorb and emulate their goodness. Avoiding bad company naturally leads to a quest for better associations.

H.W. Longfellow, in A Psalm of Life, echoes this sentiment:

“Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.”

These lines underscore the importance of learning from those who made an impact in their time. We can observe their unique traits and try to emulate them. If Shakespeare was known for his punctuality, it is worthwhile to adopt the same discipline. If Roger Federer is admired for his dedication to training, one might learn from him the value of consistent effort and focus.

No individual can operate as an island in today’s interdependent world of business, society, economics, and politics. A lone wolf is a dead wolf. The recognition of interdependence grows each day. Professional success requires collaboration, and effective managers pursue change with the cooperation of others. If systems must be reformed or improved, gaining buy-in from users is essential. Teamwork thrives when objectives and thought processes align; otherwise, disarray is inevitable.

The phrase “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” often carries a negative tone—implying mindless copying. However, I consider imitation a powerful tool for self-improvement. Throughout my career, I have modelled myself on several individuals—from their dress sense and speech patterns to their methods of building meaningful relationships.

At one point, colleagues jokingly remarked that in trying to emulate the management style of Mr Dildar Rizvi, my then-line manager, I had begun to resemble him physically! Far from feeling dismayed, I took it as a compliment.

This scribe readily acknowledges learning the art of gesticulation from Mr Abedi; management acumen from Mr Saleem Akhtar and Mr Dildar Rizvi; the intricacies of banking and international finance from Abhijit Bannerjee; and treasury operations from Richard Wheatcroft.

In seeking professional growth and recognition, it is vital to associate with known performers who demonstrate integrity and skill. One should never hesitate to imitate what is good. A good name keeps its lustre in the dark.

Sirajuddin Aziz
The writer is a Senior Banker & Freelance Columnist.