Camp- Be a Light, pt.2

"To me, it really seems visible today that ethics is not something exterior to the economy, which, as technical matter, could function on its own; rather, ethics is an interior principle of the economy itself, which cannot function if it does not take account of the human values of solidarity and reciprocal responsibility."

- Pope Benedict XVI - 

Ethical leadership was a huge issue that arose this summer. This includes being responsible leaders, as well as taking care of your employees, and this was a huge part of what we learned in training for basic management.  I whole-heartedly believe this, and am an advocate for it at the core.  So when some severely unethical challenges were presented by the largely ignored support staff, I respectfully brought it to the attention of the Director.  They felt like they had no one to discuss this with, and did not know what to do, or where to turn.  When they had brought it to the attention of the present Asst Mainland Director, they were told that it wasn't her problem.  So I presented these issues, and I was cordially heard, but I do not believe I was more liked because of it.  Especially when it involved presenting some questions and complaints regarding the general leadership of a manager that was deemed as a "great professional."  

It turned out that the man who was supposed to be the Island's Assistant Director, but who had actively alienated himself from the Island, was put in charge of the support staff, without anyone else's knowledge, and was quite offended at the fact that no one brought this to his attention.  Employees are allowed to have concerns, and if they do not feel comfortable presenting them to a certain manager, or they simply do not know who to turn to, it is completely plausible that there is an internal issue that needs to be looked at.

I also held this feeling of advocacy for myself, and when I was accused of losing an Island camper's document, which I was forced to give over to the mainland office in the first place, I stood up and challenged the same Assistant Director making the accusation.  Even the mainland office staff felt the need to apologize to me for their boss's behavior.  To me, it felt like the leadership on the mainland was so intent on doing away with the leadership on the island, they did not care who got hurt in between.

While I had strong problems with the attitude and leadership on Mainland, it was also extremely evident that the Island also needed to change, especially in the areas of with accountability and administration.  This is also an ethical issue.  This was communicated to me at the beginning, and I was essentially brought in under false pretenses, promised to be worked alongside of, and then left to drown.  I was told that the individuals I would be working with were essentially wild and difficult to work with, but the case in fact was that they were not equipped to work their areas, and they were putting teachers in administrative positions, and expecting them to run a full office 24/7 for 3 months.  There is nothing fair or reasonable about that scenario.  I know I did a great job, especially with what I was given, but I did stand up for myself and my fellow employees.

This is the new direction of the camp, and they are right, I don't fit in, but I pity the leadership, and the person, who cannot treat every human being with respect, and cannot take a challenge. 

As for me, I will never stop challenging, with diplomacy of course, and I will never stop being a light in the dark.  I really feel like I will kill myself spiritually, if I do that.  Like when you cover a candle's flame, cutting off its supply of Oxygen.  I know that I did a great job with what I was given at this camp, and many people can attest to that.  I wasn't perfect, but I tried, at least, to treat people with respect and love, and I am so blessed to have met others with the same conviction.

I do sincerely wish the camp the best of luck, and I just hope and pray that they learn and grow towards the right goal.