Mr. Z’s depression and anxiety are still not cured by long-term treatment. On the surface, his job is great. It is not a private organization. No need to meet quotas. But every time he went to a follow-up consultation, he would frown and sigh. For many years, he has been thinking time after time, constantly studying a profound topic, which is how to satisfy his boss. He is determined to spend his whole life mastering a technique – to be able to see through the boss. Not only to be the boss’ “genie in the lamp”, but even to discover “potential” wishes in his boss’ heart. So he could satisfy them one by one to achieve the highest score in job performance evaluation. But every quiet night his mind is filled with scenes of the boss shaking his head and making slanderous remarks: “It is not supposed to be done this way!” “Do it again no matter what!” These images and words are attacking him one by one, making him so frightened he loses sleep.
Once while queuing for medicine, a man in front of him turned around and left. More than ten packets of medicine fell to the ground in a mess. Mr. Z helped the man pick up the medicine. “Boss!” It turned out that this man was his boss, Mr. Y. It turned out that he was here for follow-up consultations. Mr. Z was embarrassed and frightened, and Mr. Y looked even more embarrassed and frightened. “It’s not like we are naked, so what am I embarrassed for? It’s not like I knocked down some of his medicine, so why am I scared?” Mr. Z used cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to overcome the negative and inaccurate thoughts that immediately appeared in his mind.
By evening, the two stayed in the office and talked for a long time. As the “boss”, Mr. Y kept apologizing, and Mr. Z felt uncomfortable at first. “Many times, I don’t know what my boss wants, so no matter how well you do it, I’m still not satisfied. I would just ask you to do it again, but I never know how to teach you how to do it and what the results should be. I’m really sorry.” Mr. Y mustered up the courage to confess to Mr. Z. “We are all at the bottom of the food chain. One level up, there are bosses above the bosses. The will of the boss is more mysterious than the ocean.” Mr. Z said with a sense of dark humor. “When you look for a needle in a haystack, you will find it eventually. I think it’s almost impossible to guess what the big boss is thinking about. And the boss is always guessing what the boss of their boss is thinking about… Forcing yourself to find something that only exists in fantasy will only drive yourself to death, and it will also bring disaster to others.” Mr. Y said with a look of regret.
For several months, the two spent their spare time hiking together in the mountains, experiencing the magnificence of nature and practicing Buddhism. Gradually, their horizons broadened, they gained insight and walked out of the dead end. “Who is the boss?” “It’s every man, woman, and child we serve.” “We can do it by working against the obstacles, realizing their needs, and doing our best.” “Are we low-level employees?” “The more front-line we are, the more we can directly serve those in need, the more meaningful it is.” “Our work is very meaningful, even if it is never satisfactory.” The two have many wise conversations every day. They do not go to extremes, do not “rebel” against bosses at all times, and do not make fun of their superiors to relieve their grievances at work. They do not mind their rank, and they serve as role models for colleagues at all levels. They treat the situation rather than the person, seek truth from facts, and understand everyone’s difficulties, reminding themselves and those around them of the meaning of work.
(Details of the story have been modified to protect patient privacy)
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: HK01 “01 clinic”
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
