THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE WATCHING

A few years ago, I had developed a habit of opening my official laptop at home. Now let us not get into a debate whether it is right or wrong to do that and debate on the impact of such actions on work life balance etc. My intension is not to spark a deliberation around this or any other similar topic. My son was 4 years old then and like any other kid would be fascinated by just looking at any electronic gadget. Whenever he sees me opening my laptop he will immediately jump and sit next to me carefully observing what I do. Not that he understood exactly what I was doing but I can easily notice that there was something that kept him glued to my laptop. He would be asking me some questions based on what he sees and I used to answer him in a way eh can understand and it was a father son bonding moment that both of used to relish then.  

My company was making several changes to enhance our information security. In a world where cyber criminals were getting more creative day by day  it was very important for companies too to come up with strong counter measures It was quiet surprising for me when I first heard that even people who appear like just passing by you in common places can steal so much of information just by looking at your computer screen. This was indeed alarming. But thanks to our innovators who come up with constructive methods and devices to curb these. We had screen guards introduced in the market which to me was a great product which while enabling the user to have a sharper look at the laptop screen ensured that no one else could get even a slight view of the content on display.

     One fine day I was given one such screen guard by my office. I was not just happy but peaceful. As a frequent traveler I open my laptop in multiple common places like airports, flights, trains and sometimes at coffee shops and restaurants. This screen guard was really a gift to me that I don’t have to be worried about who is peeking into my laptop. It was so perfect that no one get even a slightest glimpse what is on the screen. But my son on the other hand was very unhappy with the screen. No matter how close he sits to me and tries to glance into the device he couldn’t see anything.  After diligently trying his best my son was frustrated enough, he decided to step into his questioning zone. He shot his first arrow at me “Dad what is this black thing?” As always while I was busy with my work, I replied “this is a protection cover to ensure that no one can see what is there on the screen”. “Oh OK!” he exclaimed appearing to be understanding my response. After complying to his usual limit of 2 mins of silence he shot the next question at me. “But what is the need to cover things?” Honestly, I was stunned with that question and was gathering my thoughts around to answer him. Not that I did not have the answer, but I wanted to articulate in a way he could understand. So, I conveyed “Daddy has to do a few which others cannot see”. While I said this I could see my son’s eyes opening wide and I could hear him shout out loud “Why do you do things that others can’t see?”

While his question came out of frustration it did initiate a series of thoughts in my mind. My son helped me simplify an important concept in personal and professional work – INTEGRITY. Not doing anything which others cannot see is simply integrity. If I can openly explain to people about everything that I am doing, then it is transparency.  I have learnt other aspects from my mentors in the past namely “On stage behavior” – whatever you do you would imagine that you are on a stage and hundreds of people are watching you. Then you would ensure whatever you would be right. My next learning was “newspaper test”. Whenever you are speaking to others, even if it is a single person, you should imagine that you are talking to people from the press. Then you will make sure whatever you say will not only be true but ensure that they are backed with information and data. While the former ensures ethical behavior, the latter ensures transparency.

As a person who has learnt and appreciated these concepts, I could not stop appreciating my son for simplifying a great topic through his simple innocent question. He brought in a new paradigm to this great trait highly needed not just in professional organizations but also families. I was happy for another reason obviously he has given me another simple story which I can share with others and continue to play my role as a simplifier of complex topics. The next day when I stepped into my office I told myself “I am not going to do anything that others can’t see!! ever!!” .