Maybe I am getting a little cranky. I was somewhat discomforted by the “Heroes Work Here” signs that were put up during the pandemic. Yes, the pandemic was (and-to a degree-still is) a major league hassle with sometimes deadly outcomes. And, I get that, say, a nursing home, for example, needed to try to keep some wind in the sails of their (not excessively compensated) staff. At the same time, it all reminded me of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ideas regarding “cheap grace.”
Same thing goes for those who start off by telling us they are a “servant leader.” Slightly cringe inducing to my ears. It’s an overused label. Also, it smacks of virtue signaling. I assume, particularly if you work in the not-for-profit sector, that you have an interest in providing a service.
Self-promotion is more in vogue today than it was years ago. Back then a measure of modesty and restraint were considered appealing qualities. These were the days before resume inflation.
In the meantime, I’ll try to keep my inner cranky old(ish) person under control. I can say I’ve never yelled at kids to get off my lawn. Though I’ll not call that ‘servant neighborliness.’
When someone feels compelled to tell people how smart or how rich or (insert virtue here) please consider that those traits should be evident to others without the need to verbally amplify them. Perhaps increase the actions that signal those traits and speak less? Although, watching those nursing home employees in action, the reminder of their underpaid efforts is as important for the relatives of the residents as it is the general public. Those that have cared for my mom throughout the Pandemic have been exceptional, possessing patience and grace I haven't always embodied myself. Now, my grumpy self needs to try harder:-)