We hold officials in decision-making positions to a high standard. Consciously we honor their wisdom and entrust that they have no collective best interest at heart. Those of us who’ve not been in a position of influence can only appreciate from afar the full scale of the demands they face daily. Not being in the circle of trust might place us in a disadvantageous position. We are left to wonder; to question the agenda, the motivation and the ramification of decisions made on our behalf.

I once held a job in a group home for troubled adolescents. A new supervisor took on a position of authority left by his retired predecessor. He brought in some new people with little experience managing the extreme sensitive and delicate daily operation of the group home. The former supervisor had carved out a healthy balance that resulted in a proverbial well-run machine. Staff was generally content, hard-working and compassionate. The adolescents were thriving and were respectful to staff and peers. Problems were handled with a warm and caring approach. Staff problems were few and managed well internally.

Then, an eruption never before seen was born with grave consequences. The supervisor and a new inexperienced individual took our generally well-managed approach by the throat and squeezed. Factions arose as an outcome of some serious heavy-handed approaches, a 180-degree turnabout. Tensions delivered harsh words between two distinct groups; one comprised of the two new individuals and the other comprised of the other staff. Though greater in numbers and set comfortably with the aforementioned effective approach, they took exception. The uprising soon led to dismissals, leaving the two and a void.

Liken to a volcanic eruption that unexpectedly results in mass devastation, not only were our once secure jobs lost, the unintended consequence to the abrupt fallout followed. The adolescents felt the sting severely. Many acted out physically, emotionally and violently. The change/transition was especially tough on the adolescents. each person’s departure was preceded by heartfelt discussions with the adolescents. They asked questions we felt obliged not to answer. We chose as a group to minimize the repercussions to the fallout. What a major life lesson for all involved.

We, as departing staff, not only were jobless, we were emotionally fired up. We each had to face the experience in our own unique fashion. The unintended consequences were the adolescents who had come to the group home to face their abusive history. Emotions they were learning to manage were now challenged. We were overwhelmed with the possibility of mass regression. While the kids remained at the home, their fate thereafter in the transition was blowing in the wind. We were not allowed any communication thereafter.

Those individuals in positions of influence can use their power as they choose. I am reminded of the lobbyists, those influential figures behind the scenes. Once again, those in power can make decisions for the well-being of the masses or just those who tickle their fancy.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.