THE TRIPPING POINT

No, it has not been misspelled. No, not “tipping” point,  but “tripping” point. This is not the time when small things contribute to big successes, as in the book of Malcom Gladwell. On the contrary, it’s how success and power, when used wrongly can lead to failure. “Tripping point”, a.k.a. “power tripping”,  is the point one abuses power to serve one’s own interest.

No one is exempt from the temptation of “Power Trip.”  It is easy to cross over well-meaning motives to self-vested ones without knowing it. Those in position and in authority are specifically vulnerable. Power corrupts and muddies judgment. You start with the common good and make rules and regulations to improve people and systems, but end up being a scourge to them. I believe before any decision is made, a leader should ask this  “tripping” question: “Am I serving, or lording it over people?” If the answer heightens the weakness of people rather than strengthens their capabilities (tripping!).. when it pulls them down rather than pushes them up..when what you’ve done strips people of hard-earned privilege (Even Rights and Honor), you have reached your “tripping point”.

No one really does good for All people. But do you do good mostly for yourself. Who reaps more benefits? And how many actually enjoy the “good” you decide to do. Does it narrow or widen the path to benefits. Does it give control to a minority, rather than accord advantage to more?

Accrediting people for their expertise is good. But demanding burdensome requirements over and above the recognition and affirmation previously given is not. It is a “tripping” point to power quest. Denying services to patients who can benefit from a good service-provider is injustice. It is power “tripping”. Now, empowering people to render excellent service to more and even for free (since subsidized by the government or other organizations), that is sublime- a true TIPPING point to progress. (I can’t understand Ninang– “Hugot yan” 😬). The quest for power, unfortunately, lurks everywhere penetrating professions, business, politics (ohhh definitely!), and social structures. No unit is immune. But no unit is helpless either.

Recently, De Lima has been ousted as justice committee chairperson. I think she reached this “tripping” point. I felt secure to see people standing up against it (my blog, my opinion🤔). We must speak up when people try to seize control to the detriment of the common good, and especially that of our people. I know, different leaders have different concept of what is right for those they serve. Again answer the tripping question: “Am I serving, or lording it (my biases, my opinion, my OWN standards) over people?” Lording? (tRipping point!).  Serving (and Loving!)? Now that’s the Tipping point to Good Leadership (my blog, but this is the truth! 🙂)

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
– Ninang thoughts after a Medical society business meeting (there’s hope though)