LIVING: DON’T JUST BE A SOLDIER

“Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they’ve been given.” 
 ― Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game

While we progress with this article I’d like you to keep the above quote in mind. So soldiers are known to receive orders from superiors but unfortunately today they also get orders from civilians. We are told as a soldier you must obey the last order; either way you are expected to obey and execute as directed.

That is the nature of their jobs and careers. It looks like a system that doesn’t encourage creativity especially if you have to obey to the letter; you are limited by what you have been instructed to do. Deviating from that might get you court-martialed and no soldier likes to be docked by fellow officers.

Now coming to us, we civilians that are allowed to also obey others either from a constituted authority or a boss or superior; we should avoid being soldiers. Yes it is good to carry out instructions but unlike soldiers who might not have the opportunity to weigh or air their views, we should let our voice be heard when you feel a reservation. Don’t just carry out instructions hook, line and sinker even when you and the person given orders know it is a wrong call to make.

A good leader who gives you an instruction will most times want to know how you carry it out and what level of your initiative you can bring in. We must learn to avoid doing that hardest job in the world where you have to speak on behalf of another person like a public relations officer or personal assistants or media aide. When you find yourself defending another person’s wrong.

Instead of being a soldier who only knows how to take orders without questioning it, learn to allow your own inner voice, moral standing, innovation, creativity and convictions guide you. Don’t blindly follow orders even when they are detrimental to you or others; or let your fear of the one dishing out orders overshadow the strong conviction to do what is right.

Or better still be that soldier that makes smarter decision than the order that was given.