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If people only knew ….
It is a hard truth that organizations, like society, have the propensity for hero worship. An executive who scored a multi-million dollar deal is lauded more than an executive who helped the organization save the same amount of money.
Just as in football, a team needs to defend as well as it attacks. If it cannot do both, then any advantage that comes with each goal scored will be negated by the goals the team allows to be scored against them.
Like many of my colleagues in the public service, in the course of my career, I have pre-empted many major faux pas that could have had national implications. But because they were internal to the team, people never knew.
Some will argue that it is my job. But isn’t it also the salesperson’s job to bring in the deals?
I share this as we end the year as a tribute to the many silent professionals whose work and dedication to their jobs will never make the headlines, nor will they ever get the credit and recognition for “doing their jobs”.
Today, as we celebrate the New Year with our friends and families under the watchful protection of our men and women in uniform, do spare a thought for these silent professionals who are spending their New Year away from their families so that you can spend time with yours.
If only people knew …. not all heroes score goals.
