THE notion of ‘working smart’ has often been misconstrued and twisted into a distorted image of what it truly means to achieve success. Rather than emphasizing values such as integrity, honesty, diligence, and ethical behavior, some individuals have come to perceive ‘working smart’ as synonymous with cutting corners, engaging in fraudulent activities, and circumventing processes deceitfully to attain their goals. This twisted perspective has not only eroded the moral fabric of our communities but has also engendered a culture where vices are celebrated, while virtues like integrity and honesty are relegated to the shadows.
Working smart means optimizing your efforts to achieve maximum results with minimal wasted time or resources. This involves setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks effectively, utilizing available tools and resources efficiently, delegating when necessary, and continuously seeking improvement. It also involves thinking strategically, problem-solving creatively, and automating repetitive tasks. It is crucial to recognize that working smart does not entail deceiving others or engaging in fraudulent activities. True intelligence lies in leveraging your skills, talents, and resources ethically to achieve your goals.
Gone are the days when acquiring wealth through fraudulent means was shunned by society. In the past, riches gained dishonestly were met with condemnation, and individuals were held accountable for the sources of their wealth. However, in today’s climate, the narrative has shifted drastically. Fraudulent activities like cybercrimes (including “Yahoo Yahoo” and 419 scams), embezzlement of public funds, prostitution (including hook-ups), ritual killings, kidnapping, robbery, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) and other vices are increasingly celebrated and even encouraged by some segments of society.
Reflecting on my upbringing in a village, parents once instilled in their children the importance of earning an honest living and frowned upon ill-gotten wealth. Parents would vigilantly monitor their children’s activities, including checking their school bags, the kind of friends they kept, the books they read, the programs they watched on TV and the places they visited. Community upheld integrity and honesty as core virtues essential for building a sustainable and prosperous society. Then, every child belonged to the community and parents had the power and right to discipline any child in the community. Religious institutions, especially churches, through their teachings, vehemently condemned the use of deceitful tactics in accumulating wealth, emphasizing the significance of maintaining integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct among individuals.
However, the tides have shifted, and we now find ourselves in a society where ill-gotten wealth is celebrated, and those who choose the path of honesty are often labeled as lazy or unintelligent. Parents who once instilled the virtues of honesty and hard work in their children now find themselves complicit in encouraging fraudulent behavior, all in the name of wealth acquisition and achieving success at any cost. Interestingly, even religious and traditional institutions, which ought to be bastions of moral guidance, have been tainted by the allure of material wealth acquired through dubious means. It is disconcerting to see individuals with questionable characters and illicit wealth being celebrated within these sacred sanctums, further perpetuating the erosion of ethical values in our society.
This paradigm shift has not only normalized unethical behavior but has also blurred the lines between right and wrong, leading to a moral crisis that threatens the very foundation of our society. A culture that valorizes dishonesty and deceit breeds a society rife with corruption, crime, and moral bankruptcy. It is vital to recognize that shortcuts may offer quick rewards, but they come at a high price – the erosion of one’s character, reputation, and overall well-being. As the wise saying goes, “Honesty is the best policy,” and this timeless truth resonates across various cultures and belief systems, even in the face of adversity.
Confusing the concept of working smart with fraudulent behavior in Nigeria has fostered a pervasive culture of mistrust, hindering legitimate entrepreneurial endeavors. This confusion has not only stymied innovation and productivity, impeding long-term economic growth and sustainable development, but also corroded community trust and unfairly damaged reputations. The prevalence of corrupt practices across various sectors in Nigeria has, to a significant degree, undermined ethical standards, exacerbated socio-economic disparities, and fostered an environment marked by suspicion – all rooted in this harmful conflation of working smart with fraudulent activities.
The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and guidance, admonishes us to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This golden rule underscores the importance of treating others with respect, honesty, and fairness in all our dealings. Similarly, Aristotle once said, “The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think.” This profound statement underscores the importance of prioritizing integrity and truth above societal expectations or fleeting rewards. True success is not measured by material possessions or societal acclaim but by the legacy of integrity and moral values we leave behind.
True success is not measured by the shortcuts we take or the ill-gotten gains we amass but by the integrity, honesty, and ethical standards we uphold in our pursuit of excellence. As Proverbs 10:9 aptly states, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” In his seminal work, “The Road to Character,” David Brooks emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner virtues and moral strength over external success and material wealth. He argues that true fulfillment and lasting impact stem from our ability to live a life guided by principles of honesty, integrity, and empathy. In a world consumed by the allure of instant wealth and fame, it is essential to heed these timeless words and reorient our understanding of what it means to work smart.
Socrates’ famous dictum, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” resonates deeply in the context of our discussion. In a similar vein, the Bible emphasizes the importance of integrity and righteousness in numerous verses, such as Proverbs 11:3 which states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” To pursue a life of meaning and significance, one must uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
Moreover, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” By embracing these values, one cultivates a reputation that withstands the test of time and garners respect that transcends material wealth. Similarly, Socrates famously asserted, “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” This statement serves as a poignant reminder that true wealth transcends material possessions and is intrinsically tied to the purity of one’s character and the authenticity of one’s actions.
To combat the pervasive influence of fraudulence and shortcuts in our society, it is imperative that parents, educators, religious leaders, and societal influencers instill in the younger generation a deep appreciation for hard work, honesty, and respect for the rule of law. Furthermore, we must collectively reject the toxic narrative that glorifies ill-gotten gains and instead celebrate individuals who exemplify integrity and ethical excellence in their pursuits. By fostering a culture that honors diligence, perseverance, and moral uprightness, we can sow the seeds of a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for generations to come.
In conclusion, let us remember that working smart does not entail resorting to fraudulence or circumventing processes deceitfully. True success is not measured by the shortcuts we take or the wealth we amass through dubious means but by the integrity, ethics, and values we uphold along the way. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us stand firm in our commitment to honesty, integrity, and principled conduct, knowing that these virtues will ultimately lead us to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. God is with us!
Prof. Chiwuike Uba, Ph.D.
