We have all met that person displaying an inflated ego. Enjoying a win at sports, receiving feedback from a superior at work, or kudos on a recent accomplishment. Been there and done that. Honestly, it’s ok and natural to feel good about yourself… moderation friends.
That recognition is often what keeps us coming back for more, looking for the next challenge and getting up the next day full of vim and vigour. It’s when you expect the same exhilaration from every challenge, or it becomes a way of life that separates good from evil. Well, maybe evil is a bit of a stretch. Though for some, the euphoria is not an exaggeration.
Nevermore than in the last two years has there been so many glowing examples of plus-sized egotism staring us all right in the face. The media streaming at us is instant and larger than life. Disinformation coming from one politician who lost an election to slanted numbers on infection rates influencing closures then re-openings with the resurgence of the pandemic coming from another elected official. The impact on our lives continues to be profound, regardless of which country or province you are referring to.
The damage imposed by ego is directly proportional to the social influence the generator can unleash. Elected officials can and continue to do untold damage serving themselves and their factions. Similarly, leaders in a commercial or bureaucratic organization exercise influence that drives or destroys their members or employees. To what end? I thought everyone wanted to succeed and see progress around them for the greater good. Boy, was I naive!
I don’t believe generosity and helping others is a dying art. Years ago, I joined a volunteer fire department, eager to help. Later a career in EMS fulfilled my desire to serve. Those around me shared the same values creating a camaraderie lasting a lifetime. I know many responders holding senior positions in emergency services that give more generously than I do. They collectively have my highest respect.
Why do some individuals insist on breaking ranks, venturing off to serve themselves and their friends? Can it be strictly money or the satisfaction of possessing influence in enormous quantities to be exchanged for future favours, a.k.a. money. The folks I hung out with got a rush just doing the right thing back in our day.
Dad straightened me out in my early twenties. I enjoyed some accomplishments as a volunteer firefighter, sharing some lessons learned. Asked to organize an educational event for the departments around the county, I jumped at the chance. The night was judged a success by several colleagues.
One morning, standing at our village post office, dad received compliments regarding my efforts for the training night. That attention led to a conversation around the dinner table, closing the loop. That was all he needed; it was time to set the trap.
Arriving home the next day after work, a baseball cap from dad’s employer lay on the table across from him in front of an empty chair. Invited to sit down, I thought I was about to receive the talk about an overlooked chore around the house. The grass was looking a little long at the time. Yardwork was going to be second on his agenda.
Passing on the kind words of an acquaintance for the training event, pop offered the ball cap as a reward instructing me to put it on. Red wasn’t my colour, but what the heck, I thought, be polite and accept the gift. Funny thing, the hat didn’t fit. Assuming I was getting a hand me down from a previous owner with a smaller head, I went to adjust the band and found the real meaning of the gift.
There, fastened through the plastic clasp, was a shiny staple locking the cap in at its smallest size. Before I could get a thumbnail under the fastener, I was waved off to return my focus to my elder. And the lesson started.
Recounting my description of the winning evening at the mutual aid training night, dad instilled some of his wisdom. Warning me that reminding people of the outcome of the evening might detract from the success that should be attributed to many and not just me, I sat silent. Lesson learned.
That’s not to say I haven’t erred over the years. I am sure someone out there can tell you a story or two. That hat stayed with me for a couple of decades, staple still intact in the band. The lesson shared here is as much a personal reminder as an offer to a few of those holding influential positions to push back and have a look in the mirror.
Pursuing wealth and influence while serving in positions of power and authority should include ethical responsibility, not self-service.