What it means to leave a position in less than good standing

Feb 19, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
Recent events caused me to reflect on what it means to leave a position in less than good standing. I recall my own experience of being separated from arguably a position of influence and having to accept the subsequent changes in my relationships.
I must admit though that it was due to the support I received from family, and the fact that I always kept my feet firmly on the ground that I was able to weather that fallout, although my professional responsibilities required that I associate with important actors in the political, civil society and security sectors.
I should also add that I am eternally grateful to my mother for introducing me to the world of books, the joys of reading, and for making me realise that I should always use whatever influence I might have for good; never believe that anyone was better than me, and by the same token I must not act as if I am better than others.
Editor, forgive me if I seem to be rehashing a point that others might have made in previous columns, but from my own experience I know that when someone leaves office in inauspicious circumstances, there are likely to be all kinds of negative impacts if they are not as grounded as I was. In other words, the implications are enormous.
There will be those who are genuine in their expressions of commiseration, and those who can scarcely conceal their glee at your misfortune. I recall a very senior official who was so unable to contain his satisfaction that he started his senior administrative meeting with the happy announcement of my separation.
Editor, the lengths to which people will go to ensure that their departure is not shrouded in disgrace is understandable, and – I daresay should be expected. If we were to assume that the tenure of someone who wields tremendous influence is precariously placed due to circumstances arguably of his/her own making, then you begin to see a picture emerging of a desperate search for relief using all available means to preserve that position of influence and possibly his/her personal image.
What should not be lost sight of is that certain positions invariably also carry with them public perceptions (and indeed expectations) of great trust and rectitude. If that office is seen as lacking integrity and cannot be trusted to be morally upstanding, then it is inconceivable that the institution that s/he is a part of will be accepted as trustworthy or possessed of any great degree of integrity. These almost certainly generate a host of relational issues which will likely impact on effectiveness and efficiency.
However, another facet of this whole survival struggle is the potential derivation of privileges that a loss of face can occasion. I have seen previously powerful persons from the private and public sectors entering a room only to be met by a conspicuous avoidance of eye contact and physical proximity; turned backs and sudden animated conversation.
These postures of alienation only serve to remind us that no matter how powerful we believe we are; no matter how important others make us feel by virtue of the office we hold or the favours we can do, at the end of the day what counts is how we conducted ourselves.
No amount of money whether acquired honestly or ill-gotten can supplant the need for social acceptance, and in that regard we need to ask ourselves a few questions: Have I been a good steward of my office?
Have I abused my authority? Have I misused my position power for personal gain? Have I used my influence for anything other than good? Can I look myself in the eye and say that I am undeserving of the opprobrium that is now being directed at me? The answers to those questions will determine our value system, how we value others assessment of us, and guide us in making the right choices.
Patrick E. Mentore

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