hidden talents

Where I work we've got a pool of hidden talents. There's this group of twenty or so girls in support staff positions. A couple manage a photocopy center, some run a call center, others assist our staff in miscellaneous runs, some serve as assistants to IT personnel, and so on and so forth. The common thing is that their jobs basically require following directions. As long as they do exactly what they are told, they're in good standing. They're a tremendous help too; they save a lot of time with the trivial tasks they cover.

What I've noticed with some of them though, is that they are capable of doing so much more. Some of these girls have the brains to take on a lot more responsibility, in positions and departments where they might be able to build careers for themselves, not just occupy jobs. One in particular is always coming up with more efficient ways to do things. Another is constantly aware of every little details of her departments, which is more than i can say for most professionals these days. Seriously, you ask her about a stock of a specific item and on the spot she would answer with a detailed update, including dates and numbers. One of the girls who answers phone calls is so mart and organized she could manage the whole place's communication network. Anyway, you get the point: some of them are too talented to be where they are right now.

These talents are hidden, not from the public eye, but by cultural, social, educational, and even personal limitations.

Most of them want a decent paying job for a few years until they get married. Most of them have no higher education degree, and would never consider seeking one. Most of them work to gain financial independence from their parents, not to build careers. All of them have distasteful public images. In fact, i had to put them in uniforms to avoid costume-like outfits. Many of them are lazy and complain about too much work; they would love to show up to work everyday do what is minimally expected and leave. Taking initiative is not their strong point either. No matter how much we push them, some insist on believing that a routine work is the best way to go.

But underneath all this laziness, fear, lack of ambition, and so much more, there lay immense talent longing for nurturing. Most of these girls just need a push out the window just to believe they could fly. I promise to always keep trying to push, i just hope i don't push one that falls jobless flat on her face.