Advice of an old timer

I never tire of advising my grownup children: "Wherever you work, you must try by words and deed help to create a harmonious working atmosphere. I believe that this is of no less importance than the standard education an employee must gain to qualify himself for his job. You must be modest and helpful to your colleagues, and above all, don't be a snob."

My Webster's dictionary gives the following definition of a snob: a person who imitates, cultivates or lavishly admires social superiors and is condescending to others.

An acquaintance of mine, who worked for a large computer company, told me that her department chief was quite haughty and treated his subordinates as if they were nincompoops. It goes without saying that everybody in the department did not like him, although they did not say it in so many words. So, when he resigned, apparently for a better paying job, everybody cheered.

About 30 years ago, I had a close friend who worked in a large enterprise. Apparently, he was a bit snobbish and his short temper did not make him a popular colleague in his office. One day, he was indicted for graft and collusion with a customer of the company.

I believed it was a trumped-up charge, or to put it more bluntly, he was framed, but it did not prevent him from getting a summons from the prosecutor. He was defended by a lawyer but the many court appearances made him dejected and strange as it may sound, not long there after he suddenly had a fit of depression and went the way of all flesh without showing any symptoms of a physical disease.

So, my message is loud and clear: it is important to get along well with our colleagues.

A. DJUANA

Jakarta