A controversial n dilemmic topic. Perhaps conclusion is that it is still gd to be in the light which you've genuinely carved out of the darkness, not taken from others, and during the process of carving, you arent suffering n at the end you r still intact.
Many times, how big is this light? A dot amidst the vast darkness. You know that there isnt space, n yet u want to get in to be under that little bit of light. If u arent the first, you have to push the person out. And when u r in, u are most probably alone n constrained, bound by that little floor area. Or when u r ready to be packed like sardines with everyone else uncomfortably, how long can u hold? Struck me when we had to play the game when the whole team stands on a folded grd sheet, and it is folded into smaller and smaller pieces, would u fall out or fight till the end to be the last one standing? Of cos a different ball game when the rule is set that the whole team must be on it no matter what. It was an amazing outcome when we come to realise in actual fact that piece of small area can hold such a large number of people and for a time as long as we want, despite we jus need to hold for 10 sec. Do it again subsequently with other teams, outcome isnt as bewildering. Rare phenomenon. Definitely all must be focusing on that same thought and managed to make it happen.
Since young, the competition in status n fame or popularity exists. Among the peers of my own age n among the adults. My situation wasnt that bad, i guess. Not too fierce competition or comparison. It could be a rule set but it's aligned with a personal target so not too much suffering at the pri sch, i was blessed then with a rather smooth ride. But i hate it when parents chided my frens, using me as a benchmark. That is when i dun see anything gd to be in the limelight. I'm happier when everyone scores together, but it is still not possible to have many with the same rank number. With 2 runner ups, the next is number 4. But u know it doesnt matter. U know u r still number 3. Numbers without meaning.
And next to a hierarchical uniformed grp. I understand how seniors select. From cadet to NCO to CI to HO, i witnessed how, with myself in the selection pool, selection was done and the responses and behaviours frm the pool. From issuing badges, to be in the organising, campcraft, fancy drill teams, and to the ranks and designations within the structure. Mainly 2 types, with the majority in, who are the ones selected out? With the majority out, who r selected in? Diff yet similar nature. In camps when diff sch units and cultures come together, how was the selection done? Best trainee and all the best single categories. The graders dunno anyone except during the few days. Learnt lots frm those out of the norm graders.
When it is my turn to select pple, fully aware of the situation on the ground, with peers of the same sentiments, learning from other leadership styles in the HQ, we formulated the ranking criteria, spotting the talents n then managing the morale. Never easy. But have to be done right. It determines how much the standard will be degraded when u lose all the good ones. Shrugs. Today's problem is due to yesterday's decision.
And of cos there r many styles. Pple have different ambitions, and yet there r graders who disregard those knowing that they r good, but since not too concerned with grades, give to someone else. Where is the logic? Encountered in the ranking committee in the HQ. Vote casting goes on. Not happy with outcome, try pursuing once or twice, furthermore to that, jus step out. Recognition n encouragement comes in many forms. Those who were nt selected, u know u will and had done better elsewhere. When u r void of emotions, u will not indulge in over achievements or engulfed in depression over disapprovals, u know u will find somewhere suitable and excel there. Be sane and intact.
