I know myself. I don’t mind working behind the scenes and supporting those in the limelight. I have learned to give way when the right people take over. I know how to appreciate, and I try to do it in a way that will really boost the self-esteem of a person. I wanted to champion people around me.
Perhaps the reason is because I know how it feels when no one is around to support and appreciate you. It feels frustrating, and self-defeating. It happened to me several times, but one particular moment stood out to me.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
I was assigned as the Camp Director of our annual youth camp at that time. I have worked with several Camp Directors before so I already have an idea of what to do and what to avoid. As a planner myself, I carefully designed the program and drafted the mechanics for every team-building activity, every plenary session, and all the correspondences necessary. It was an exhausting season in my life because most of the people who were supposed to help me were either busy with their respective jobs or were just plain uncooperative. Those who were available often criticized me rather than offer help.
Good thing I have tapped into several reliable kitchen crew and a dependable handyman. I also asked for help from some of the youth under my care. At least my burden was lessened. But still, it was a gargantuan task.
But make no mistake. Even though the task was enormous and exhausting, I enjoyed every bit of it all. I loved the job! Seeing the youth enjoying each others’ company, laughing most of the time, and committing to change their habits because of what they heard from the plenary sessions—these and many other testimonies— are enough to keep me going. I feel like a success!
On top of the feedback from the participants themselves, I have also made it a point from the administrative end, that everything will go well. In fact, the team has saved a lot because of how we managed our resources!
At the back of my mind, I thought a little tap on the shoulders would make me feel better. A simple “good job” would make all the exhaustion go away. I waited, but there was none—at least from the person I was expecting it from.
My boss, instead of an appreciation, consoled me with, “That’s part of your job.” A very cold response. I was disappointed and sad. But I have to move on.
And that was the last time I handled that task. I was replaced.
That experience taught me that I have to get used to cold and sometimes unappreciative treatments. Some people are just like that - what you see is what you get. Perhaps it’s an upbringing thing. Perhaps the person is really not an appreciative type. I could only speculate. But if they are really not the type who says thank you, then be the one to teach them with your emanating gratefulness.