Al-Watan, Egypt, November 23
Years ago, I met a former Arab government official who, on each and every occasion, gave speeches about his job and career. One couldn’t greet the official without being bombarded by long lectures on the man’s duties and responsibilities. All of these stories usually began with the words “in my capacity as an official.” The man was so obsessed with his title that he consistently hid how disgruntled the staff under him was just to protect his own reputation in the eyes of his supervisors. All of this was done, of course, to block anyone who might try to dethrone this individual. Unfortunately, these types of government workers have become all too common today. Almost anyone who worked in government in an Arab country will know what I’m talking about. We all stumbled across such individuals. Sadly, this phenomenon suggests that we seemed to have forgotten the fact that real leaders serve in office not because they want to hold on to their chairs, but because they care about the publics they represent. In fact, politicians who love their jobs so much should immediately raise our suspicion. These are people whose titles have become so intertwined with their own personal character, that we should immediately question their motives. Without their job, they lose themselves. Therefore, they will do anything they can to hold onto their title. I recall an old conversation I once had with one of my university professors, who came from Japan. Speaking about his experience working for a Japanese electronics company, the professor told us that he had turned down a lucrative offer from his employer to lead a new division for his company abroad. We were all shocked. But one’s reputation, the professor explained, must not be linked to one specific company, institution, or position. His advice to us was the following: When you get a new position, especially one in the public sector, put in all of your effort and sincerity into that job and treat it as if you would be leaving it at the end of the year. This will fill you with a sense of urgency to do what it is you need to do. Remember that sitting on a chair is temporary and it is a double-edged sword: It can lift you or it can burn you. Support your team members and equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Above all, remember that you are representing something greater than yourself. This is the exact mentality we are so desperately lacking in the Arab world today. –Esaam Bukhari