The Broken Window

Assalamualaikum w.b.t and Greetings.

I am sure most of us are familiar with the bystander effect. If there is an accident on the road, and there are people surrounding the event, there’s a high chance no one will likely help. But deep in everyone’s mind, we all meant well.

“Someone will be the first to help.”

In critical events, where time is a deciding factor between life and death, this would not be so great for the affected person.

Human has a tendency to follow the norm of the masses. It is wired in our brain. Which is also several reasons why we are in awe of someone who stands out and is confident about it too.

Take the example of the bystander scenario earlier. As soon as one, just one person, came and helped, all the others started to help too. There’s the bystander effect, and there are also the fear of missing out.

But why this topic?
Why is this topic being brought up?

Because at work, we are autopiloting to being a bystander.

The Broken Window

There’s this theory of broken windows, where one simple visual of a broken window in a neighbourhood would lead to rot in the society.

I mean, how could a window have a huge domino effect?

There is a perfectly sound reason why we did not walk in a street that looks shabby and run-down, with broken windows, graffiti, overgrown grass and potholes.

In our work, we can easily sense these broken windows. A clear example I can give as a software engineer is code smells.

You look at a code, and you have this hunch that this is not right.

But the task is urgent; you scroll your mouse to where you want to update your code, and the broken window remains. You went autopilot and did not take action.

“I will take a look at it later.”
“I’m sure someone already worked on it. We had a huge backlog of tech debts.”

Days become months, months become years, and you looked at the code again. it was the same broken windows as it was years ago. Soon as a new engineer patched the code, you dreaded that you wish you were the one updating it.

You missed your chance to do good.

Sure, we get our paycheck by the end of the day. But there’s a reason why humanity seeks purpose in their life. It explains why everyone likes to buy books like Ikigai, in the hope of finding out the gap and purpose of our lives.

You’re Doing Injustice to Yourself

It’s not the code, the paperwork, or the person that needs help.

It is more than that.

It reflects on your value, and ultimately, this will form a habit for yourself that will compound itself in the future.

The small habit of fixing a broken window, taking the small step, will help shape your habit in the long run.

It says a lot about yourself.

For a start, look into our surroundings and spot several improvements we can start making. Not only in work, but also in our day-to-day life, with our family, spouse, children, work, or community.

Deep down, we know there are broken windows around ourselves, but autopilot without intentions kills our potential.

Look into this possibility around you.

As always, may Allah s.w.t. bless all my readers. It comes to my attention that the job market is tougher now, so my prayer goes out to everyone who wants to put bread on the family table. You will receive good news, and you are not alone in this battle.