7 Things I Did as a Colleague

There have been times when I was feeling low because of what my colleagues were going through.I always connected with my colleagues on a personal level. Most would disagree with me, but I believe it’s only human to show empathy at work to build stronger bonds.

The Burhan Mirza you see today and hear about is a person built on the foundations he laid when he was at the start of his career. I truly believe the rules and habits you build in the early stages of your career shape who you become in your later days!

With that, I am here to share 7 things I did as a colleague. And If you want to know things you shouldn’t do as a colleague, you can watch my video.

Things to Do as a Colleague

“Doing the right thing is always challenging but rewarding” - Burhan Mirza

Balancing the sense of what’s right and what’s wrong isn’t easy in a workplace. We’re always debating between saving ourselves, growing our paycheck, and putting up our best image. In the pursuit of a picture-perfect image and heavy bank account, we tend to forget what truly makes us a good colleague and a leader.

1. Giving Due Credit

“Success is best when it's shared” - Howard Schultz

Whether it’s jotting down a quick note or leading a $50,000 project, I've always believed in giving credit where it’s due. Shining the spotlight on the real heroes gives me a sense of fulfillment. Plus, it doesn’t just make me a supportive colleague—it helps me be a leader people genuinely trust.

As we climb the ladder and take on senior roles, it’s easy to forget that the way we’re measured evolves. Our performance isn't just about our individual efforts anymore; it’s about how well we uplift our team and highlight their wins to the higher-ups. Recognizing and motivating the right people isn’t just fair—it drives everyone to bring their A-game.

2. Always Empowered my Colleagues

"Empowerment isn't a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that starts with treating people with dignity and respect." — Ken Blanchard

We all come from different backgrounds, skills, and experiences. Undermining your colleagues is one of the worst moves you can make—it just shows a lack of flexibility. In the professional world, adapting to others is key to success.

I've always made it a point to connect with my co-workers and step into their world. To me, winning people over doesn’t mean pulling them into my life. It’s about leaning into theirs. By understanding their perspectives and unique skills, I realized they often excel in areas where I fall short. I embraced that, learned from them, and always made sure to give credit where it was due.

3. Always Recognized and Valued My Colleagues and Their Contributions

“Someone somewhere out there has an idea that can change the world, they only need to be heard” - Burhan Mirza

Leadership is all about listening to your team and turning their ideas into action. Too many leaders either ignore their team's input or take credit for their work. Sure, that might get you ahead, but you can steal ideas—never the mindset behind them.

I’ve always made it a point to really listen to my colleagues, whether it’s about personal or professional challenges. Sometimes, just being heard—without offering advice or a solution—is all someone needs. That’s what helped shape Burhan Mirza into what he is today.

4. Always Prioritize Teamwork over Individuality

“Teamwork makes the dream work” - John Maxwell

Individuality can be the enemy of collective growth. If everyone’s just playing for themselves, neither the individual nor the team will succeed. I firmly believe there’s no such thing as a “lone wolf.” Everyone needs a team to achieve real results. A successful team thrives when it focuses on collective growth rather than individual egos. This mindset has been key to my success, whether I was an employee or leading my own business.

5. Always Appreciate Your Colleague's Opinion

“Consider other's opinions by talking less and listening more” - Burhan Mirza

Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, whether it’s about work or how they feel about a team member. The best approach is often to agree to disagree and let everyone enjoy their perspective in peace. It’s not something many practice, but once you master it, you’ll find yourself becoming a true leader. Disrespecting someone’s opinion can lead to disaster, where one person gets to say, “I told you so.” That’s when teams fracture and organizations start to crumble.

Creating a group mindset fosters a workplace where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts on a project and how things can improve. Focus on that, and you’ll consistently deliver your best and thrive in your career.

6. Always Respect Your Colleague's Success

“Celebrating other’s success is more powering than celebrating yours alone” - Burhan Mirza

There have been moments when my subordinates became managers, leading their teams. In corporate life, there will come a time when the managers you guide step into leadership roles in other departments. It’s all part of the journey. What truly leaves a lasting impact is how you appreciate, support, and celebrate your colleagues' successes. Simple words like “You deserve it” can transform someone's world and inspire greatness.

7. Find the Right Opportunity to Give Feedback

“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” - Bill Gates

Feedback is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer to someone, helping them grow and succeed. I’ve received my fair share of feedbacks over the years and used them to improve. But there’s an art to giving feedback: it should never be delivered unnecessarily. Unwanted or poorly timed feedback can feel intrusive and might even harm your reputation.

I’ve always made it a point to give feedback only when it’s appropriate and meaningful. It’s a delicate balance, like walking on thin ice. The best feedback happens at the right time and in the right setting. Constructive feedback is most effective behind closed doors, where privacy is respected, while positive feedback shines best when given publicly. Leading with dignity means protecting your team’s integrity and lifting them with thoughtful and well-timed words.