No prizes where the inspiration for this post came about.
Most will focus on CPF (money, money, money); I focus on people.
Let's get the bogeyman out of the way. Embracing meritocracy will not increase happiness. In fact, it may probably increase more stress, angst, and burst the illusions for those who collect paper qualifications like collecting stamps or boy scout badges.
Why no increase in happiness?
When we have 1 vacancy, by shifting from giving it to the person with the most "ABCs" behind that person's name to the person who is most competent for the job, the number of disappointed applicants who didn't get the job remained the same.
Why may create more angst?
Those who have reached their glass-ceiling, what do they do? No, not investing for financial freedom. That comes much later.
It feels much better to "blame" our lack of paper qualifications right?
Instead of focusing on within, we put the focus on without.
Do you have courage to press the "reset" button like one brave blogger recently that did so with his portfolio? The day we stop telling little lies to ourselves is the day we move forward.
But off we go, collecting more "ABCs" behind our names.... Maybe this time I'll finally be recognised!
Can you imagine the angst if they see more examples like PM Lee have shown on the National Day Rally speech?
What!?
Someone should tell that ITE woman to stop competing in a man's world!
Huh?
A Malay poly guy can be CEO in Qatar? Full Colonel some more!? I got MBA why no one pick me?
Pui!
That Cheena man with NTC can be shipyard manager? Don't bluff me lah! Like that I study so hard for my evening Degree course for what?
What is Meritocracy when working for others?
Those working in SMEs know this already.
With fewer levels of management, and less employees, hired-guns have easier access and visibility from the Business Owner.
Hence, promotion opportunities are based on merit, relationships, and intuition - less on what papers you have.
Land owners and shepherds working in SMEs, feel free to correct me if it's not so.
For the benefit of those working in MNCs or for big daddy, the answer is:
What the Big Boss Man really cares about.
Human relations is EQ and Politics
I briefly hinted on relationships above.
Meritocracy is not just about the intellectual realm. It's also about how we relate to other people.
What is EQ?
EQ is office politics. (Or home politics for those living in big households)
And if you always end up on the losing side in office politics, that means your EQ not that high lah!
OK, I better stop now, before I put my foot deeper into my mouth...
Singapore Man of Leisure (welcome to my blog; just google it!)
