Chioma Nnani: Dead Weight at Work
So, I think I previously mentioned that I'm working on this project where I have to do something about an autobiography of one of the most inspirational men that Nigeria has ever produced; he is truly one of Nigeria's best-kept secrets. Yes, seriously.
I've seen his staff at work – they are very dedicated. No eye service; they actually do their jobs.
Now, this is a really strong contrast to how things are in a worryingly large number of offices across Nigeria. People only do things when the boss is around, or they know that (s)he's checking up on them. They come to the office just to be physically present. Getting to the office late isn't a big deal; in fact, it's normal for some.
But you dare not pay their salary, late.
Now I don't think that there's anything cute about withholding someone's wages.
But the thing that baffles me is how content some people are with … I'm not sure whether there's something worse than mediocrity, but if there is, that's what they are comfortable with. Even worse, that's what they are excited by.
Some people poke fun at their colleagues, even deriding them because the colleagues try to better themselves by taking an extra course here or seeking a mentor there. Because eye-service is a frighteningly popular Nigerian religion, many think that's what their colleagues are engaged in. The thought that someone really wants to stand out and shine at their game doesn't occur to them.
But when that person gets the promotion, is the only one that clients sing praises about, leaves and starts their own gig … generally succeeds at something, the envy starts. The person whose only crime is taking the time to succeed, when others were marking time, begins to hear all sorts of things – from allegations of sleeping with bosses, to voodoo involvement, to some other things that are truly remarkable.
People will take time off from work in order to attend a party or religious event. If the time isn't granted, they will lie or just skive off work. But they will not spend an extra half hour taking a class; even when the subject matter would be beneficial to their career. They don’t want to spend the bus fare to attend a free seminar. Some people think it's sensible to apply for a loan to buy a car in order to impress some chic who doesn't even like them. But they don't believe it's an act of self-love to get a mentor.
Some folk will keep marking time and being physically present at the job, not caring, not learning, not improving and not making any real contribution. Then, they cry, “Life is unfair” when the boss decides to get rid of the dead weight.
Chioma Nnani is an award-winning author, who also contributes to business, lifestyle and literary publications. One of Africa's most fearless storytellers, she is a two-time UK BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) Award nominee and a DIVAS OF COLOUR 2016 finalist, who lives in Abuja, runs THE FEARLESS STORYTELLER HOUSE EMPORIUM LTD, can be reached on @ChiomaNnani and blogs at www.fearlessstoryteller.com
