I had a lovely walk and talk with a friend of mine yesterday. Among other, we discussed why our society is so fragmented and competitive, whereas both of us agreed that people should cooperate and share more...
It really is strange how competitive people can become in the strangest of circumstances. Take my field of work: development. There are thousands of organizations in the field, many competing against each other, and diverting so much energy from working towards the common good, which one would expect them to have as their primary goal. Even within these organizations, there are frequently ruthless power struggles. Information is not shared with the most obvious useful contacts. Backstabbing is common. This happens also in NGOs, or fully voluntary organizations.
I admit that I have been fairly lazy in terms of voluntary work in my life. I was active in a couple of organizations during my university time, but more on the sidelines. I was elected onto a university alumni council twice, which with just even five members was a surprisingly frustrating, divisive experience. I'm now experiencing the same with our school's parents association. In an attempt to work for the common good, and to move things forward (quickly), I'm getting a lot of criticism, and so far, not a single thank you.
What are the motivations of people volunteering for such fora, or working for these organizations, I have often asked myself. And why do I take these things so personally? Like I told my friend yesterday during our walk, I often feel like I am just too naive for these sectors in life. For me it is so obvious that information should be shared, if it is not classified or harmful to share. It is so obvious that everyone can contribute to a common goal, and that one person's contribution does not mean another person's loss in these fields of work.
Why can people not be motivated by oneanother's energy and effort?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI have finally found my way to your blog and enjoyed my first readings very much. Thank you.
I especially agree with this post: why spend energy on fighting each other instead of working together? This one has puzzled me often. Unfortunately it is such a common thing in every workplace, group etc.: people wanting to somehow up their own credit against that of others. And I share your sensitivity in the sense that I find such disputes really uncomfortable for myself. Maybe they are more enjoyable for others?
Anyway, how strange to write in English..
Paljon suukkoja teille kaikille. Onpas ikävä!
Voikun Melbournin sääkin tekisi yhteistöitä kanssani. Alkaa myrskytä ja minä halusin juuri ulkouimalaan!