Audit

So. Another chapter of my life in here has closed. I guess that means... Haha!

Doing this for the second time has made me learn more; more than I'd hope for. To think that I actually stayed up the entire of Sunday all the way to Monday just to flip through that gigantic hill of carelessly filed paper. That cannot be good for my body and soul, because I remember pumping truckloads of caffeine into my bloodstream as I walked around like a zombie. And surprisingly, I actually felt pretty perked up when I got home. It's like the zest has never left my body. But that cannot be good. At least I think it cannot be good. Going against nature in any way is by default, detrimental.

Now that the test is over, I got more things to worry about - like handing over, making plans, training, reading, writing (I'm really gonna try), walk about, clearing up, teaching, and so much more. I see hope in everyone, but I see beyond that. I see that I have to help. I've been selfish, actually. When it comes to management, there's more that meets the eye. A blithe indifference may mean two different things altogether. In this society, nobody likes to be told to do something beyond their control, especially by someone who does not naturally know more. But we are all trapped. We are all trapped in some sort of hierarchy wherever we go. The quagmire we are challenged with is therefore, the art of acceptance, deception, presentation, and quotation. To learn is to gain, and to apply what you've learn is to gain more.

First: acceptance. Let's not get too angst about the situation we are in. We came in here knowing that this is going to be a game of acceptance and a situation of being told what to do. Know your role. I know my role, and I play it to my advantage. Know that there are some decisions that you can make, and some that you can't. A soldier who reaches too far out from his shield to attack the enemy albeit equipped with a lethal weapon, faces the threat of having his arm severed as well. At the end of the day, if a decision made by someone else does not please you in any way, think. Think of this - does this decision affect me? And more importantly, is it up to me? If it's not, or does not, it's advisable to just shut up and move on.

Second: deception. Nobody is perfect. We all know that. But I will not allow someone who is not trusted handle something of grave importance. Such is my working style, I'm sorry. If I think you're not ready, you're probably not. Knowledge does empower you beyond your wildest imagination, but learning how to manoeuvre it empowers you even greater. Trust your instinct, but trust your knowledge more. Certainty is a surer way to success. Has it not been proven? Hold your ground when making a claim, and the greatest of lies can turn to deceive the shrewdest of people. I'm not advocating it. I'm just saying.

Third: presentation. Of course, this involves a great deal of persuasion as well. Having the gift of the gab raises your stake so high you have issues counting them. I can only say this - presenting yourself confidently is a skill mastered by few. Confidence, backed by experience and knowledge, is almost as impeccable as a Nokia phone. Don't be afraid to flaunt it, because that's when you receive all of the effort you output, all in one swift action. Do it, do it good, and seal the deal.

Fourth: quotation. There are people who like to talk big, and people who like to talk gibberish, and most importantly, there are people who don't know what they're talking about. Now, capitalise on this. Quote the foolish. I love it when people say things irresponsibly, because it opens up an avenue of vulnerability to prey on. If people are to make irresponsible remarks, make them regret they ever did that. Don't feel bad about it. Think about how hazardous certain claims are when they are made so carelessly, then carry on and do it. You may do so, but beware, and tread carefully. Do not argue for the sake of arguing; make a point for the sake of persuading. Everyone has their opinions, and I am educated that what is worn on the epaulette determines how much of the decision you are part of. I'm not dissing. A good leader will accept feedback. A good leader listens. Ultimately, a good leader still has to make an informed decision. Trust that someone else is more "right" than you are. Self-righteousness gets you nowhere. Consider yourself informed. Losing the game occasionally does not make you a lousy player. In fact, think the opposite - winning most of the time makes you a very skilled player.

So stop growing flowers in your own garden and admiring them by yourself. Look around. Take in the scenery and accept that the world beyond the little beds of roses you've nurtured is a kaleidoscope of wonderful. By all means, you may invite people into this garden of yours so that you may boast of your horticulture. Some people may praise your flowers, but some may trample it beneath their feet and call it crap. Perhaps they are ignorant, but it is exactly crap that makes these flowers bloom.

Good crap, I mean.