- imperfections don't prompt slef-delusion and blame shifting;
- flaws do not include continual dishonesty and deception;
- quirks exclude putting on the tears to get your way (quite literally!).
I recently worked with a woman who displayed the traits outlined above. She was always comfortable being herself. The only problem was that she was wily and manipulative. Quotes like the one above have many interpretations. They rely on the assumption that people are decent at heart. But what if they aren't? Should we just tell everyone to 'be themselves'? I get what it is saying, but some people spin it their own way (like my former colleague). Working with her was certainly not my idea of fun!
When you're person who has truly believes in decency and accountability, it becomes increasingly hard to be surrounded by those who don't hold these values in high esteem. Perhaps they think they do, but delusion tends to run rampant in those who want to defend their daily routine of earning the most money for the least amount of work.
I have witnessed so many lies in action, so much cunning. I thought that my superiors wouldn't appreciate that element in their workplace, but I was sadly mistaken. No leader likes it when such glaring deceptions are pointed out because they tend to take it personally - sometimes they have even aided and abetted the dishonest ones for their own gain. Being able to see right through people is such a curse. You usually catch a glimpse of something genuine, of course, but people's self-protective reflexes often end up slapping you right in the face.
I have witnessed lies about hours worked, jobs completed and colleagues' actions. It's been a dog-eat-dog web of deceit that has challenged my sensibilities to the core. Yet, I have had to remain a silent witness. It affected the meaning I attribute to my job when more questions began to emerge: Who else is faking it for self-profit, for self-aggrandisement? Who is willing to punish those who care because the carers ventured a little too closely to the truth?
Liars are bowed down to and the lazy are rewarded. And so it goes...
- Mel
