Insights from the Invisible Workforce
Some of
the most profound life lessons don’t emerge from boardrooms or academic
institutions but from those who serve quietly, their presence often unnoticed.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of knowing and learning from
drivers—men who, despite lacking social or professional prestige, have shaped
my understanding of leadership, humility, and human dignity.
Jaydas: The Burden of Blind Allegiance
Jaydas (all names below are changed for privacy)
came from the eastern part of central Kerala, a man whose faith was once his
anchor—but also his chain. Drawn into a sect that demanded complete surrender,
he had sold his ancestral land, giving every penny to the collective cause. He
labored tirelessly—sometimes as a driver, sometimes as a manual worker, even
carrying stones and bricks to build the very 'faith home' that now stood before
us.
That
evening, as a prayer meeting hummed in the background, I met Jaydas outside the
hall. He spoke with a quiet, almost wistful tone. “I carried those bricks,” he
said, pointing at the structure, his voice free of resentment yet heavy with
nostalgia. Then, with raw honesty, he recounted the darker truths—stories of
families torn apart, of sacrifices made in blind allegiance rather than true
faith. Some names were familiar to me, their stories unfinished. As Jaydas spoke,
I couldn’t help but wonder—how many have lost everything believing they were
gaining heaven, when true faith should be liberating, not enslaving?
Eljo: The Silent Sacrifices of Service
Eljo was
the driver for a state director of an organization. His
days were long—navigating city traffic, keeping the office running, ensuring
the car was immaculate. His nights were longer, often walking miles home after
dropping the car, the last bus long gone.
I met him only once, and he shared a quiet grievance. “The way he talks to me,” he said, shaking his
head. “He forgets that his life is in my hands when I drive.”
Eljo came
to faith in Christ from a nominal Christian background and joined a Christian
organization, hoping it would strengthen his spiritual journey. However, after
a quarter of a century, he reflects that the only time he experienced alcohol
consumption was during his tenure there—not because the organization promoted
it, but due to the paradox and struggles he faced during those two years,
neither before nor after in his life. (Eljo's story deserves full attention to
understand and learn from.)
A memory
stood out—before every personal trip, the director would make him wipe down the
car again, though it had been cleaned the night before. The task wasn’t about
the car—it was about reinforcing hierarchy. Yet, Eljo never voiced resentment.
He performed his duties with quiet perseverance. His story made me pause—how
often do those in power forget that leadership should never come at the cost of
dignity?
Mark: The Brotherhood of the Unseen
Mark, a
driver for a regional leader, was a man of quiet wisdom. One evening, he
invited me for dinner. At his home, another driver—a visitor from another
city—was staying with him. As we ate, I asked Mark why he went out of his way
to host his fellow worker. He smiled, “Because when I visit his city, he will
do the same for me.”
Mark
understood a truth many leaders miss—the ‘invisible workforce’ survives on
solidarity. He once made a sharp observation: “The teachings of our leaders
apply only to the crowd in front of the pulpit, not to those behind it.” His
words carried weight—how often do leaders preach values they fail to embody in
their own workplaces?
Twenty-five
years later, I called Mark. The city traffic still surrounded him, and he still
worked in the same office—only the director had changed.
Lessons on Leadership and Dignity
These
men—often seen as ‘lower cadre’ staff—taught me invaluable lessons. My own
office admin associate once remarked in broken English, “Sir, you are
different… Usually, managers never say earlier where we had to go. Only after
sitting in the vehicle, they tell the destination.”
Such a
small act—informing him of the plan—had made a difference. It signified
respect. A driver is not just a driver; he is a part of the mission. Leadership
is not about position—it’s about recognizing the dignity in every role.
The Road to Transformation: A Journey of
Encouragement
Luke was
just an office boy, zipping through the city on a rickety TVS-50, shuttling
between banks, post offices, and service providers. A tenth-grade dropout, he
had resigned himself to a lifetime of routine errands. Every morning, he
retrieved the director’s keys to open the office.
Whenever
I visited for writing engagements, I made it a point to spend time with him—not
just in casual conversation but in teaching him the basics of using a computer.
One evening, in a late-night talk, I told him plainly, “Your leader will move
on one day, but if you don’t grow, you will always remain an office boy.”
Luke
hesitated. He had tried and failed his tenth-grade exams three times.
Mathematics was his mountain. I urged him to take time off, return home, and
focus solely on tutoring in math.
Years
passed. I moved to another city. Then, twelve years later, I learned something
remarkable—Luke had taken my words to heart. He passed his exams, then
completed higher secondary school. From there, he earned a B.Com, then an
M.Com. Eventually, he left his old office and became an accounts officer at an
NGO.
When I
finally called Luke, gratitude thickened his voice. Mine was filled with quiet
joy. I reminded him to thank God, the true orchestrator of his journey. Today,
he stands as a manager, leading others just as he was once led. His story is
proof that a simple word of encouragement can alter the trajectory of a life.
The Apostle Paul’s Call to True Leadership
The Apostle Paul, urges us to “be willing to associate with people of low position.”
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. (Romans 12:15-17 (NIV)
This is not a call to charity but to genuine, mutual respect. A driver or an office boy is not a servant; he is a colleague, a fellow worker in the mission. His insights, sacrifices, and experiences hold wisdom that many in leadership could learn from if only they would choose to listen.
Willingness
to associate is more than giving respect—it means valuing, loving, supporting,
encouraging, and standing beside them at all times.
True
leadership is not about status or authority; it is about the ability to uplift,
respect, and recognize the dignity in every role. The road to meaningful impact
is paved with humility, intention, and the willingness to learn from those who
often go unnoticed.
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