Throughout my little time, I have had several Bosses. From my first who happened to be my class teacher back in my alma mater, Teto Model College. Who, at the time, was the owner of the Bakery I first worked at; To my Boss and mentor, Mr. Clement, who owned the school I worked at; and then, my Dad, who I worked under, managing his poultry and, most recently, Mr. Walter who has being guiding me through my POP ceiling making skill acquisition. So I guess I have a bucket full of experience on the Boss and employee relationship, both good, bad and manageable.
However, I'll be reminiscing on my days of work with Mr. Clement at the School I worked at back in 2022.
Mr. Clement is a man I'll refer to as a fountain of knowledge. It is almost like he had all the answers to any questions you would throw at him. Multi-talented, and full of infectious energy and light that rubbed on a few of his employees, me inclusive.
I wouldn't say he had it all figured out as a good man. He had his character flaws and all that also. But I'll say, he was and still is a good Boss.
The first time we met for what was supposed to be an interview, it turned into a meeting where we shared insights as to how we could better enhance the school and pupils/students' capability at same time making learning fun. We laughed and came to various conclusions that day, ending with the information that I was to start work the next day.
In one of our episodes, a parent had vented his frustration on me through the phone because we sent his kids home after a school fee drive. Reacting to that, I had it hot with him.
I remember my conversation with Mr. Clement during the break period, beginning with him clearing his throat,
"Ahem! Mr. Emmanuel, I was told of how you handled the school fee drive. I must say, I'm proud of you."
He stretched his arms with a balled fist towards me which I received with same (knuckles)!!. He continued,
"I also heard about the fuse you had with a parent. I must say, your reaction was not the best. I know it probably was a defence of pride. However, there was a better way you'd have handled it. Don't see the problem and badge into it. You're not the person who decided to send them home for their guardians not paying their fees. Learn to take yourself out of problems or intending problems. Be smart and sly. You'd have erased yourself from the picture and pushed us in. Don't take other people's problems personally. It will help you in your growth in life."
This episode was a result of his giving me the task of overseeing the school fee drive that week. Bringing me to the school's stage. This was not the only time. He deliberately did it to expose me to more than the classrooms, he'll say.
Well, at first when he told me about it, I was a bit skeptical about my capability. But then he went on "You have more than you think you do. Allow me to develop and harness these in-depth gifts."
When I heard this, I knew it was all I needed to shoot me up front. I was doing well until that parent became my spoiler.
He indulged me in multitasking, making reading something ordinary instead of an intensive workout I'd rather skip. At one point, he introduced me to the screen...where I took several roles in some short series online.
He is a blessing and I will say he played a major role in my personal growth for real.