Following instructions is one of the basic things we learn at home.
From an early stage we are forever drilled to listen attentively to what our parents and elders tell us.
The word my mum used a lot was simple – obey. Not obeying meant getting the rod or being grounded
In church the word ‘obedience’ or ‘following what is right’ was often hurled at us from the pulpit via the pages of the Bible.
Proverbs 19:20 says we are to ‘listen to advice and accept discipline” and 2 John 1:6 says “walk in obedience to commands…”
In school, students are also taught to follow instructions (and do the right thing) because it enhances understanding of a subject matter, influences exam grades and allows someone to correctly execute a skill or set of skills.
Obedience, or following instructions is crucial in every part of life, whether it’s the family, school, university, church, work or community. It is almost like a secret recipe for success and staying on the right path.
Experts agree that following instructions, whether verbal or written, are key to achieving precision and accuracy. It also increases the chances of someone being relied upon and trusted.
In the newsroom, where information transmission is vital, following a set of instructions, allows for effective communication and reduces misinformation and misconception.
At leadership levels, following instructions carries legal and ethical implications, meaning that blatantly overlooking instructions can result in penalties and conflicts.
In other words, following instructions or guidelines should not be an option because it ensures that individuals, groups, organisations and institutions maintain integrity and the highest ethical standards.
In a government, as in the civil service, following instructions and processes is crucial for a well functioning office and legitimate democracy.
Following proper processes whether they are related to media freedom, free and fair elections, human rights and the rule of law, ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable, and that decisions are made and implemented according to agreed rules and principles.
Without following processes and procedures, government exposes itself to the risk of becoming unfair, unethical and tyrannical.
In the United States, the Trump administration appears to be pushing the proverbial envelope.
World news outlets have been busy reporting stories about President Trump’s unabashed attempt to undermine the democratic system of checks and balances that were created by the country’s founding fathers and constitutional designers to ensure that each of the three branches of government are co-equal and that the president, like any other American citizen, is not above the law.
The Trump administration has targeted major law firms that engage in work he disagrees with and media outlets that try and hold him accountable, attempted to undermine the right to due process as it rolls out its mass deportation plans, enacted retribution on Trump’s perceived enemies and ordered sharper scrutiny of universities and the accreditors that oversee them.
Furthermore, the administration has sought to dismantle federal programs and agencies set up by Congress. It faces numerous lawsuits and accusations of violating the U.S. Constitution.
This democratic overreach sets up dangerous precedence for the world, especially when all our lives, we’ve looked up to America as ‘the democracy to emulate’ – a shining beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience.
On June 14, which happened to be President Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th Army anniversary parade, an organised military parade was overshadowed by the “No Kings” protests.
Approximately 2,000 communities across the U.S. plan held protests or demonstrations to oppose what they consider a power grab by the Trump administration. This is the third round of major nationwide protests in three months under Trump’s second presidency. People are now recognising that following the law is as important as controlling hiking food prices.
At home, the never-ending COI issue continues its descension into chaos, creating a saga that is making many twists and pitting individuals and groups against each other.
Catchy headlines churned out by the local news media keep coming – from ‘PM Rabuka under siege’ to “Resignation call’.
All these would have never happened if people had adhered to ethical processes.
Together, policies and procedures, provide some kind of roadmap that ensure compliance with laws and regulations. When they are not followed an office or institution will develop conflicts and devolve into chaos.
Our laws must be followed to ensure accountability, control quality, allow adherence to regulations, control unfair treatment, corruption and discourage unethical behaviour.
And the bottom line is, at the end of the day it helps improve every citizen’s wellbeing and ensures that government does its job in the best possible manner and in the best interest of the people and their communities.
Being obedient and following instructions are lessons not only for children who are growing up and students in classrooms. They are equally important for adults in all spheres of life and in all levels of society, from the US President and Fijian civil servant to the community leader and parent.
Until we meet on this same page same time next week, stay blessed, stay healthy and stay safe!
