I'd not be shocked if he picks up his phone to call me right now, asking me to delete his pictures from my blog. He is such a private person.
My Former Boss
I turned onto the street where I used to work. I hadn’t been there in two years. I thought about what I'd say and how I'd smile.
I was afraid the sight of my old workplace would make me emotional. I kept a new white handkerchief in my bag just in case my big eyeballs try to embarrass me with tears.
I thought about the memories I've had - Like the day I missed my way to the bank and the day I was told to dress conservatively.
I thought about my colleagues - like the days we walked around looking for food.
I thought about my boss - the first time I ran into him and the last time I ever worked for him.
I had been called by his secretary to come collect my tax certificate. It is a very important document required for starting up a business, travelling outside the country, or doing anything related to the government. I went to get it.
My intention was to breeze in, greet everyone, collect the card, then breeze out. But my boss (former boss) detained me. He heard my voice from across his office and called my name, "Is that Amaka?"
He recognized my voice even without seeing my face.
My Former Boss
I turned onto the street where I used to work. I hadn’t been there in two years. I thought about what I'd say and how I'd smile.
I was afraid the sight of my old workplace would make me emotional. I kept a new white handkerchief in my bag just in case my big eyeballs try to embarrass me with tears.
I thought about the memories I've had - Like the day I missed my way to the bank and the day I was told to dress conservatively.
I thought about my colleagues - like the days we walked around looking for food.
I thought about my boss - the first time I ran into him and the last time I ever worked for him.
I had been called by his secretary to come collect my tax certificate. It is a very important document required for starting up a business, travelling outside the country, or doing anything related to the government. I went to get it.
My intention was to breeze in, greet everyone, collect the card, then breeze out. But my boss (former boss) detained me. He heard my voice from across his office and called my name, "Is that Amaka?"
He recognized my voice even without seeing my face.
I’ve had a bunch of “bosses” but the previous one was by far among the best. He wasn't an old-fashioned manager (I only remember him wearing a suit once in two years). He was my typical boss - ethical, decent and "crazy". He was generally professional but joked and played. His name is Mr. Niyi.
Mr Niyi was a great boss.
Related Post: Meet My Cute Brother
Mr. Niyi was a perfectionist who was very hard to please. His philosophy was not only to criticize you but to give great advice, help you succeed, and encourage teamwork. I looked up to him and always “copied” what he did to make myself better. The few times he gave me specific advice, I really listened.
"Yes, it's Amaka." I said finding my way into his office.
"Eh. See Amaka! Come here!" He said, coming out of his office.
"C'mon, give me a hug!" opening his arms.
We hugged.
We talked.
We laughed.
We shared memories.
 |
| It was nice to see him again. |
Mr. Niyi still has pictures and a video of my birthday moments in 2014. He said he didn't want to delete them (so sweet of him to cherish that moment. Thank you, Mr. Niyi). When he played the video for me to watch I was close to tears.
I was inspired.
I want to be a great boss.
A great boss do not just have great technical skills but also qualities that make an impact where it matters the most: in the hearts of the people they lead.
Professionalism is admirable. Professionalism combined with a heart for people is inspiring.
I was inspired.
I want to be a great boss.
A great boss do not just have great technical skills but also qualities that make an impact where it matters the most: in the hearts of the people they lead.
Mr. Niyi said he appreciated my effort and valued my personality when I was working for him and that I could come back whenever I got bored at my current job. Lol.
Beyond the respect I have for him as a former boss, I consider him as a mentor and a friend.
Whose former boss follows them on Twitter? Yours truly.
If you want to succeed but you’re not always sure how - The first step is, to be the best version of yourself (topic of another article). Be the best employee. Be the best boss. Be the best you.
Who is the greatest boss you've ever worked for? What memory do you have of your former boss? What memory do you think s/he has of you? Share.
Posted by Nwamaka Ajaegbu
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Heart Rays . . . giving light.
