Very often, people rely on their first impressions to evaluate others. However, it’s always the right thing to do. Just as a book should not be judged by its cover, people too should not be evaluated by neither their appearance nor first attitude.
Have you ever felt you have been undervalued or misjudged by your boss, colleague or relative? Possibly it might be someone whom you have met for the first time, but he doesn’t know much about you. Likewise, this could happen the other way around as you might underestimate someone for his/ her behaviour or a decision which you are not happy or don’t agree with.
Such feelings are experienced by most of us for different reasons. Generally, people have very distinctive characteristics: skills and abilities. Everyone is bestowed with different physical, mental and emotional features
People are different in what they are good at based on their capabilities and competencies in perceiving and doing things. Each person has his/ her own different way of doing things.
It’s true Oman has been developed with great efforts of the government supported by the people of Oman and with help from expatriates working here.
However, the government’s constant and serious devotion in the nation-building process was behind the fast-growing Renaissance, which happened in a record time. Thanks to His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos who devoted his time and efforts to build the nation and promised a better future for all Omanis since his early days of ascension to the throne.
None of us can deny the role of expats living among us, who have contributed to the development
of Oman, regardless of their nationalities.
As a matter of fact, we needed their expertise as the country was still young and not developed when the Blessed Renaissance kicked off.
Involving foreign expertise was very significant at the early stages of the nation-building journey. There is nothing wrong in getting the help of others when paving the way for national development.
Today, we still have expats working in various government and private organisations, whose efforts are touching every walk of life.
However, expatriates are coming here to make a living in return. This undoubtedly comes as first priority for them, more than serving this nation. Likewise, some started their own businesses in this land of opportunities.
So the country has become a home for many expats. Unfortunately, some of these expats, especially those highly paid, undervalue the competency of Omanis. Perhaps because they feel over-confident or their bosses are not keeping an eye on them.
Regardless of the job title of Omanis, they are all competent and capable enough to handle all types of jobs. Therefore, they should not be stereotyped based on the first impression or evaluation.
Many Omanis are in leading positions in top businesses in the private sector. They are even supervising their expat colleagues from European countries.
They are holding such jobs not because they are Omanis, but because they are well-qualified. Omanis are never ever to be stereotyped; evidences are obviously many in the market.
First impression is not always right, neither for Omanis nor expats. So, mutual faith and trust between partners is important. People share expertise, respect and cultures with each other so they can live in harmony wherever they are.
As a human being, it’s not who you are, but what you do and what you give.
Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami
aljahdhami22@gmail.com
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