When something diminishes in value, you call it depreciation. That is my definition of depreciation; otherwise the Accountants and Finance gurus would bring in the aspect of assets to replace the ‘something’ in my definition. They would also inform you that while some assets depreciate, some appreciate (increase in value) over time.  And they would go ahead and explain to you that depreciation affects both the balance sheet and the income statement. But who is going to bore you with such terms, eh, especially if you have never attended an Accounting/Finance class, lecture, workshop, discussion? So let’s stick to my definition – yes, that’s how a dictator behaves.

She was so magnificent the first time I set my eyes on her – that was two years ago. A masterpiece I must admit. I always felt the thrill every time I caressed her and she revealed her hidden features with ease. But in a span of two years, her value had diminished so much I had to finance her face-lift. Though she glowed and enticed my eyes, this did not last for long as I had expected (the face-lift that is). Her face got scorched again, it was no longer attractive. In those two years I had become so used to her that the caress was no longer thrilling, her features were no longer enticing. I had to look for a new one, a more beautiful one, who could shine and please my eyes, my touch and the one I could feel comfortable holding in my hand all the time, everywhere I went – and I would definitely not feel shy while introducing her to my friends. They would be envious for sure.

When my friend came with a proposal to pay half the original pride price for the ugly one, I did not think twice about it. I gladly accepted the offer. Unknown to me, he had been eyeing her secretly, lust written all over his face. Two years down the line and I was already done with her, there was no sparkle in her eyes and she was constantly complaining because the new beauty had taken her former place in my hand. She was now relegated to the house all the time, obviously bored. I no longer loved her. That is how I sold my old phone at half the original price because it was no longer fashionable; it had diminished in value.

As students hold discussions in the institutions of higher learning about the development of the country in the future once they get into those big offices, you would almost believe in them. They would tell you (or other themselves) how they would streamline the bureaucratic processes, introduce paperless systems, embrace technology, root out corruption and send all the criminals to the gallows.  You would be impressed. With this energy they go back to books, read, hold more discussions and convince themselves that they will make a difference – a huge difference when they get out of the confines of the university walls. And they are always right; I mean who would not like to see changes in the systems? And it is also said (and written) that new brooms sweep better.

So after toiling in their studies for a while, they gallop out of school, brains blazing, ideas flashing , ready to take up roles in the industry, and practice all what they were taught, what they dreamt of and all what they discussed. They would love to follow what the textbook economics say to the latter. Meanwhile, the harsh environment pushes most of them to difficult extremes – which predispose them to accept anything just to survive this competitive economy (job-wise). Eventually when they settle in their high-back seats and hidden behind that computer in that office, under this harsh boss, who never fancies smiley faces, all the psyche and ideas evaporate. The most important thing in life becomes the assurance at the end of the month to get the paycheck in order to pay rent (don’t we find ourselves in such a situation once in a while, honestly?)

The industry, as they find out sooner or later, has veterans – those who think that none other than them could ever do certain jobs satisfactorily (take a situation where when the person preparing the payroll is sick then all the staff go without pay for that month). Soon the newcomers adapt, and indeed embrace the way of doing assignments: ensure that even the simplest task takes centuries to complete, all processes to be done manually, the typist (who has a typewriter) to handle all correspondence, take long breaks in between tasks and the only person who approves all documents does not need to report to duty every day. The principles they held dearly when they were students slowly get eroded. They diminish day in day out. See, this young professional is usually kept out of key strategic decisions therefore his/her aspirations for change never see the light of the day. Most of the time, it is never easy especially where the industry has rules, regulations, policies, Acts which are out of date but never the less are followed to the latter. And that’s why it takes greater effort to bring change especially once the good practices and principles of the staff diminish in value.

Am yet to see a job seeker write in his/her resume (or CV) and application letter that he/she is lazy and that he/she will gladly steal any cash (and cash equivalents) placed under his/her custody. The job seeker puts on a positive look in the writing. Such terms like hardworking, honest, full of integrity, humble, ready accomplish set goals, self-starter ………… always feature in applications. I believe that if you can write it down, then you know it; and I guess this is also what the hiring professionals believe in. If the applicant takes time to write that he/she is hard working then surely he/she must also practice it. Some people, however after being hired, relax and then become lethargic. They get bored with the task after the first week. Their ‘hard work’ becomes a thing of the past. How many times do we see our colleagues being dismissed because of dishonest deals, yet they always had the phrase ‘honesty and integrity’ in their CVs. What really happens to us after joining the industry? Why do we let these good values go to the drain – is it an external force in our workplace or something in our internal self?

Diminishing values.