DO you have a job you like?
Your effectiveness at work is always determined by your attitude. And, people often tell me that they want to secure a job that they are passionate about. I understand this.
But what if the work that you do today is not exactly your passion? What happens then? Do you simply become mediocre and just downright apathetic?
And, let's be frank, how many people do you personally know who have job that they are passionate about? Most people end up in jobs that they need, rather than the ones they want. This is somehow the way the world operates.
But ironically, even when people are not passionate about the nature of their job, they can still excel at it.
Interestingly, through my work and travels, I regularly meet people who exemplify this. Individuals who take pride in their work, and lead businesses that take the customer's experience as the primary reason for their very existence.
Much has been said about the generally shoddy experiences Malaysians have with our public services. The long and unexplained queues when trying to renew passports, airlines cancelling and delaying flights willy-nilly, etc. are just some of the current topical news items in the country.
But recently, I met someone who for me, represented the government of Malaysia in perhaps the best light, ever. Without going into too much detail, let me share my experience.
I had a run-in with the Royal Malaysian Customs for some past 'forgotten' payments for taxes on my businesses. As a responsible Malaysian citizen, I was eager to sort the matter out.
But unlike the usual heavy handed 'little Napoleons' who like brandishing their authority, I met this delightful and conscientious officer. He wasn't out to penalise me, but instead, he genuinely wanted to help me sort out my problem.
Firstly, he made sure that he was available, and on time when we made appointments to meet. This is such a rarity in Malaysian government offices, where often you are made to wait for hours without information.
Then, he helped me understand my taxes, gave me accurate information and calculations, and when I found it hard to use their online payment portal, he even invited me to come back to his office and guided me through it on his computer.
What an amazing experience, with potentially a difficult piece of business for me. And, all because one man decided that his job was to serve and be of assistance to his fellow Malaysians.
If only all our public servants acted like this officer in the Royal Malaysian Customs, Kelana Jaya Enforcement Division, we'd have outstanding government services in Malaysia.
I could see from his enthusiasm to help that this officer took his work seriously. I don't know if being a Customs Enforcement Officer was his passion, but his ability to be of service to others during difficult times was incredibly commendable.
Imagine if he was mediocre or slacked in his attitude towards the job he had?
I always remind myself that success is getting what I want; and happiness is being grateful for what I have. Before you moan that your job is uninspiring, be grateful that you actually are in employment, and use your time in this current job to hone your skills.
I am sure that one day, I will see this young officer in an illustrious position in the Malaysian government service. Or, at least I hope so.
Because Malaysia needs government officers like Mohamed Hanis Sapian.
On many occasions, our connection with a business or an organisation is based purely on the interactions we have with the people who represent that company or government department.
So, when you visit a private or public entity and receive lackadaisical service, meet with disengaged staff, or deal with nasty people, you leave totally dissatisfied and disgruntled.
When your questions are not answered reasonably or you get given incompetent responses with a dose of a terribly disinterested attitude, it can send even the calmest of us into a rage.
Many organisations do not invest enough time and energy to train their staff to handle problems effectively. And secondly, they do not impress upon their staff to actually care about the needs of the customer.
Malaysians are customers in our government departments. But in most of these offices, we are regularly treated like an 'inconvenience', rather than tax payers who sustain these departments.
When I met En. Mohamed Hanis at the Royal Malaysian Customs, he demonstrated with his actions that he can and will represent this government body properly, with dignity and poise. He also showed me what it means to him personally to be of assistance.
One of life's biggest learning lessons is not about finding a job that you like. It is about connecting with the job that you have and making it something you learn to like doing.
So, if you want to be valuable, get promoted and have a fulfilling career, start now by learning to like your job.
