11/06/2026
Power Is Temporary, Character Is Permanent
There is something deeply troubling about a workplace culture where a group of people, particularly those in positions of authority, unite against a dedicated and qualified employee. When personal dislike, favouritism, or hidden agendas replace fairness and merit, the damage extends far beyond a single individual. It erodes trust, destroys morale, and weakens the integrity of the entire institution.
Leadership is not a licence to abuse power. It is a responsibility to act with fairness, impartiality, and respect. Yet too often, capable employees find themselves isolated, overlooked, or targeted simply because they refuse to conform to unhealthy workplace politics. Their qualifications, commitment, and contributions become secondary to personal preferences and alliances.
Those who engage in such behaviour should remember a simple truth: positions of power are temporary. Whether elected, appointed, or promoted, no one remains in authority forever. Four years, five years, or even ten years pass quickly. What remains is the legacy of how people were treated while that power was held.
History repeatedly teaches us that actions have consequences. The unfair treatment we justify today may become the injustice we condemn tomorrow. The opportunities denied to others, the humiliation inflicted, and the careers damaged by favouritism and hostility leave lasting scars. More importantly, they set an example for future generations.
There is an old saying: what goes around comes around. Whether one views it as karma, justice, or simply the natural consequences of human behaviour, the principle remains the same. The cruelty shown to someone else's child today may one day be experienced by your own children. The discrimination tolerated now may later confront those you love. Life has a way of teaching us empathy through experience.
A truly effective leader understands that fairness is not weakness. Respecting employees, rewarding merit, and allowing people to succeed based on their abilities strengthens organisations and communities. It creates environments where excellence can flourish rather than be suppressed.
Before using authority to exclude, punish, or undermine a dedicated employee, every leader should ask themselves one question: if my child were treated this way, would I consider it acceptable?
Power may be temporary, but the consequences of how it is used can last a lifetime. In the end, titles disappear, terms of office expire, and positions change hands. What remains is character—and the memory of whether we chose fairness over favouritism, justice over prejudice, and humanity over hatred.
