By Sim Iang Boi “Hold the position, fulfill the duty” is an ancient proverb that emphasizes the need for individuals in their roles to take full responsibility and perform their duties diligently. It highlights the importance of accountability and a strong sense of responsibility. This saying is often used to remind people to take ownership of their tasks, not merely performing their jobs on the surface but actively thinking about how to do them to the best of their abilities.
However, while this is an ideal standard, fully achieving it in reality is not easy. Many people face various challenges in their work, such as pressure, lack of resources, or conflicts between personal interests and organizational needs. These challenges often make it difficult to wholeheartedly fulfill their responsibilities.
Common Challenges in Achieving “Hold the Position, Fulfill the Duty”
1. Lack of Responsibility or Professionalism
Some people may lack a clear understanding of their professional roles or responsibilities. They may view their jobs as merely a way to earn a living, rather than as a contribution to society or their organization. This mindset often leads to a failure to take ownership of their work, making it difficult to “fulfill their duty.”
2. Lack of Incentive Mechanisms
When employees feel that their effort is not fairly rewarded—whether through salary, promotion opportunities, or recognition—it can diminish their motivation. Without sufficient incentives to strive for excellence or fully commit to their work, they may not be able to “fulfill their duty.”
3. Poor Organizational Management
Unclear job roles, lengthy processes, lack of support from leadership, or an inability of management to provide the necessary resources and guidance can all hinder employee performance. Even when employees have a sense of responsibility, poor organizational management can prevent them from realizing their full potential.
4. Mismatch Between Work and Personal Values
When an individual’s work conflicts with their personal values, dissatisfaction and a lack of belonging can arise, making it difficult to fully engage in their duties. Such value conflicts can diminish motivation and weaken the sense of responsibility towards the job.
5. Excessive Work Pressure or Burnout
Long-term exposure to high-pressure or overly demanding work environments can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Even when employees are responsible, they may become overwhelmed, making it hard for them to perform their duties effectively.
6. Lack of Skills or Training
If employees lack the necessary skills to perform their tasks or are not given opportunities to develop, they may feel incapable of fulfilling their job duties. In this case, poor performance is not due to a lack of effort but to a gap in skills and knowledge, making it difficult to do the job well.
7. External Factors
Personal life issues, such as family stress, health problems, or financial burdens, can impact an individual’s ability to focus and commit to their work. These external factors can make it difficult for them to fully invest in their job responsibilities.
8. Cultural or Political Factors
In some organizations or industries, cultural or political dynamics dominate, leading employees to feel that promotions or opportunities are unfairly distributed. Such environments can undermine employees’ sense of belonging and weaken their motivation to “fulfill their duty.”
How to Achieve “Hold the Position, Fulfill the Duty”
Achieving “Hold the position, fulfill the duty” requires not only personal responsibility and professionalism but also organizational support. The following elements are crucial:
- Professionalism: Employees need to understand their roles and responsibilities and align their work with organizational goals.
- Discipline and Dedication: Even in the face of challenges, individuals must be persistent and committed to giving their best effort.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: As job demands and industries evolve, employees should continuously upgrade their skills to stay competent in their roles.
Organizations must also improve their incentive systems, optimize work environments, provide necessary resources and training, and foster a culture that helps employees thrive. When employees feel aligned with the organization’s mission and gain a sense of fulfillment and achievement from their work, they are better able to “fulfill their duty.”
Conclusion
Not everyone can fully achieve “Hold the position, fulfill the duty,” but there are many who strive towards this goal by continuously improving themselves and serving society. Through joint efforts from both individuals and organizations, the ideal of responsibility and professionalism can be realized.