<p class="bodytext">In the 1980s, working in public-sector enterprises or government departments was considered a great honour. Enamoured by the prestige of civil service, I joined the government. I believed that, unlike in the private sector, government jobs were free from sycophancy and flattery.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After joining government service, I encountered two types of officers. The first type didn’t care much for his official superiors because of his proximity to the seat of power (a minister) and capacity to fulfil the requirements of the minister through his pecuniary strength. The other type had established a fine rapport with the heads of departments (HOD) by catering to their needs and completing assigned tasks. Other officers seeking favour could choose to align with either of these two groups.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officer close to the HOD was a narcissist who craved constant praise to boost his ego. He was surrounded by sycophantic officers who would host parties in his honour, seeking personal advantages and favours. At these parties, they would fawn over him, saying, “Your choice is our choice, sir.” They would urge him to “eat leisurely” and shower him with insincere flattery. Like courtiers praising a king, these sycophants would agree with everything their “human God” said or did, without questioning. This dreaded culture of kowtowing is unique to humans; no animal possesses it. </p>.<p class="bodytext">During these parties, the narcissistic officer would regale his audience with exaggerated tales of his investigations into industrial accidents. His sycophantic colleagues would interrupt with insincere praise, saying, “Brilliant, excellent, amazing!” Others would chime in with equally exaggerated compliments: “I appreciate how tech-savvy you are.” “You can find a solution to any problem. Well done!” “Your analytical skills have been invaluable in making the investigation a success.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officer lapped up this fake flattery, unaware of its insincerity. Meanwhile, some naive, introverted officers who refused to engage in this charade were subjected to his wrath.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The narcissist officer enjoyed this pseudo-respect which did not wane until his retirement, after which his sycophantic colleagues disappeared. </p>.<p class="bodytext">When he passed away, I attended his funeral, but none of his former admirers were present.</p>.<p class="bodytext">As I gazed at his mortal remains, I felt he was mocking me, wondering where his erstwhile admirers had gone. A saying came to mind: “We see a person’s true colours when we are no longer useful in their life.” This is how the loyalty of many people ends when benefits cease. My inner consciousness reminded me of the saying: “We see a person’s true colour when we are no longer useful in their life.” This is how the loyalty of many people ends when benefits stop.</p>
<p class="bodytext">In the 1980s, working in public-sector enterprises or government departments was considered a great honour. Enamoured by the prestige of civil service, I joined the government. I believed that, unlike in the private sector, government jobs were free from sycophancy and flattery.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After joining government service, I encountered two types of officers. The first type didn’t care much for his official superiors because of his proximity to the seat of power (a minister) and capacity to fulfil the requirements of the minister through his pecuniary strength. The other type had established a fine rapport with the heads of departments (HOD) by catering to their needs and completing assigned tasks. Other officers seeking favour could choose to align with either of these two groups.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officer close to the HOD was a narcissist who craved constant praise to boost his ego. He was surrounded by sycophantic officers who would host parties in his honour, seeking personal advantages and favours. At these parties, they would fawn over him, saying, “Your choice is our choice, sir.” They would urge him to “eat leisurely” and shower him with insincere flattery. Like courtiers praising a king, these sycophants would agree with everything their “human God” said or did, without questioning. This dreaded culture of kowtowing is unique to humans; no animal possesses it. </p>.<p class="bodytext">During these parties, the narcissistic officer would regale his audience with exaggerated tales of his investigations into industrial accidents. His sycophantic colleagues would interrupt with insincere praise, saying, “Brilliant, excellent, amazing!” Others would chime in with equally exaggerated compliments: “I appreciate how tech-savvy you are.” “You can find a solution to any problem. Well done!” “Your analytical skills have been invaluable in making the investigation a success.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officer lapped up this fake flattery, unaware of its insincerity. Meanwhile, some naive, introverted officers who refused to engage in this charade were subjected to his wrath.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The narcissist officer enjoyed this pseudo-respect which did not wane until his retirement, after which his sycophantic colleagues disappeared. </p>.<p class="bodytext">When he passed away, I attended his funeral, but none of his former admirers were present.</p>.<p class="bodytext">As I gazed at his mortal remains, I felt he was mocking me, wondering where his erstwhile admirers had gone. A saying came to mind: “We see a person’s true colours when we are no longer useful in their life.” This is how the loyalty of many people ends when benefits cease. My inner consciousness reminded me of the saying: “We see a person’s true colour when we are no longer useful in their life.” This is how the loyalty of many people ends when benefits stop.</p>
