Monday Motivation: Whatever Your Hand Finds To Do, Do It Well
It must have been around 2006 or so. I'd observed him for some time. He was quite different from the others. He was always neatly dressed- with his dark coloured uniform always well-ironed and his boots shined.
It must have been around 2006 or so. I'd observed him for some time. He was quite different from the others. He was always neatly dressed- with his dark coloured uniform always well-ironed and his boots shined.
He would stand at attention anytime a customer walked in through the door. He always smiled. Throughout the time we worked together, I never saw him 'solicit' for tips like others did. He was absolutely professional. He was the best among his colleagues.
Olu (let me call him that- but this is a true story) was one of our bank security guards. He will most likely read this.
I knew there was more to him. So, I decided to engage him in a conversation after I saw a Norman Vincent-Peale book with him.
I knew there was more to him. So, I decided to engage him in a conversation after I saw a Norman Vincent-Peale book with him.
He told me he's an orphan, sponsored himself through school and has an Ordinary National Diploma from a Polytechnic. He worked as a security guard so as to save up some funds to pursue his Higher National Diploma programme.
I was touched by his story but even more challenged by the zeal he displayed on the job. I'd not seen too many people display such enthusiasm at work. He was consistent and passionate. I encouraged him not to give up on his dreams.
A few months after our discussion, a new policy was released allowing us to hire candidates with OND as sales assistants. The role definitely had a higher pay and a better-defined career path.
Recruited candidates could work their way up after having the required experience and qualifications. I immediately sent for Olu and told him to send in his application. He had to write a test. I told him to get GMAT text books at Dugbe and prepare well.
He understood that was a chance of a lifetime. He wrote the test and passed.
And then, came a panel interview to select the candidates. I was among the panel of three- the other two being my superiors at work.
And then, came a panel interview to select the candidates. I was among the panel of three- the other two being my superiors at work.
A few days before the interview, I told Olu to look his best and borrow a suit if he didn't have one. When he walked into the room that day, we could hardly suppress our chuckle. Olu's suit was oversized. He stomped his feet as he greeted- the security guard in him came to fore.
I had informed the others on the panel that he was one of our guards. Long story short, he took a bow and left. No questions asked. It was a Friday. The next Monday, he resumed at his new role in the same branch where he was a security guard.
I actually took him on a sales call the day he resumed- we both sat in a pool car while another guard controlled the traffic as we drove out. Today, he lives and works outside the country with his family.
You may not like what you're currently doing but continue to do it well. Demonstrate enthusiasm. Be passionate. The universe has a way of rewarding diligence. It doesn't matter even if you consider yourself over-qualified for that job or if others consider it menial.
There are no menial jobs- what we have are people with a menial mindset. You define your job- don't allow your job or what you do define you. If you're a teacher, be the best teacher you can be. If you're a cleaner, be the best cleaner ever.
Mop the floor in such a way that it becomes your signature. If you're a barber, be outstanding. No job should be beneath you as long as it pays your bills. Chase your dreams but handle the one you have excellently. Very soon, the stars will align in your favour.
Eccl 9:10 (The Message)- Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily..
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