Arrogance or Confidence?

Years ago when I graduated from university I had thought that the world owes me because I have a degree! That I was someone, better in some ways than others. Back in 1999 when I graduated, not everyone was going to uni unlike now that a Bachelor Degree nearly means nothing in some professions. Now you can learn so many things by studying on your own as long as you have good and trustworthy resources.

My father had never finished primary school and his parents kicked him out of the house when he was 13 years old. He was sent to his grandmother in another town. Do you remember Cruella? Well that was his grandma. He was cinderella in a male version. When I was being arrogant while talking with him he told me this:

"Interesting, your mother and I sent you to become a better person, a well educated one and not a prick and an evil one." I was shocked and I told him "I am not evil it is just that i worked my ass off to graduate" then he smiled and said "Nadia, when you start working then you will realize what working your ass off means. When you must put food on the table for your family" he stood up and told me "Do you admire me as your father" proudly and loudly I said "Of course, you are my role model. You never give up and you will do whatever it takes to protect your family" he smiled and said "Next time that you will think that you are better than others think of them like me, think of them as your father's case.How do you know what they have been through in their life? Only God can judge no one else" patted me on the back and left.

That was my lesson and since that day I have never judged anyone in my life. I feel that my dad and God are watching me hahaha. Many times people will judge based on their appearance, cars, houses but are materials enough to prove your character? I will not disagree that we do pay attention to how people may look but we should judge professionals based on their knowledge not on their appearance.

I will say though that I do agree with a dress code when it comes to work because people are different and that means they have different perspectives.What it means to be professional to me might be different for you, right? I believe that having a dress code is empowering the company's culture. What I experienced and did not like was when the management are allowed not to wear a uniform but the rest of the employees must wear a uniform. I think this is not a great leaderships model. Separating the "upper" class to the "working" class.

Having guidelines is different from having a uniform and if you do have a uniform then it should be the same for everyone. Bottom line is that no one is better than anyone, the only thing that distinguishes professionals is their knowledge and passion they have for their job. I am constantly studying and if I don't know something I will research about it. Now I am going through my menopausal period and I am studying about it so I can understand myself and my body. I will do an instructor course to include yoga in my trainings.

Being confident and comfortable in your own skin is the biggest success but confidence is very close to arrogance. Treat people they way you want to be treated. It could be your father that old man that you show no respect, it could be you in a few years.

What are you passionate about? What do you think about uniforms and dress code? Arrogance or Confidence?

Nadia