Salesforce founder Marc Benioff
Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff says that is one of the realities of business. One day someone is your subordinate; the next day he or she may be your superior,” he said. He referred to a Japanese belief that “business is temporal, whereas relationships are eternal.”
In a quote about changing professional relationships, Marc Benioff highlighted how quickly roles can change in the workplace. “One day you compete. The next day you partner. Benioff also pointed to a Japanese belief that business is temporary, while relationships can last. His words offer a simple view of how careers can change and why professional relationships can matter beyond a single job or business deal. Benioff’s statement begins with the idea that business relationships are not always permanent.
What happens when the person working for you today becomes your boss tomorrow?
At its finest, business is friendly competition, just like a game of tennis,” he said. “There is a Japanese belief that business is temporal, whereas relationships are eternal. That’s true. One day you compete. The next day you partner. One day someone is your subordinate; the next day he or she may be your superior. In the quote, Marc Benioff compared business competition with a game of tennis. The comparison presents competition as something that does not have to end a relationship. A tennis match has two players competing against each other, but the competition exists within the rules of the game. Once the match ends, the relationship between the players can continue. Marc Benioff’s quote puts a similar idea into the context of business. Careers and company relationships can change, but the people involved may continue to cross paths in new roles. Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.
For professionals, that can mean the person sitting across the table today could be working alongside them tomorrow — or could eventually become their boss.