I was the newly employed bar man in the beautiful Chinese restaurant in Lagos. As a minimalist, I have always endeavoured to always focus on my business and stick to my job descriptions at all times. I try to refrain from anything that would put me in the bad light, noting critically that there exists 24/7 CCTV surveillance within and outside the premises of the complex where I work.
It was barely two weeks since my employment later, the supervisor Mr Basil came in one morning and sorted for attention. It was the manager who summoned me for a query.
When I got to his office, I saw him with a tough and frowning face. I didn't know what to think since I am completely clueless of what so ever that I have probably done.
I thought to myself that I cannot remember getting into a fight with any customer or getting into any argumentative position with either customer or any staff. As a matter of fact, I have always been the first to apologize regardless if I am wrong or not.
"Hamez, sit down," my manager commanded.
"Thank you sir" I replied as I tried sitting down.
"Let this report not repeat itself again!" My manager went on scolding.
"You cannot behave like that in a public and exotic business environment. You don't talk back to anyone, you must maintain professionalism at all costs. You must make sure that no customer leaves your desk angry. In Fact you handle the most sensitive position as long as our sales of drinks and beverages are concerned! The reason I am not taking this matter extremely seriously is because your supervisor Mr Basil has already pleaded on your behalf. If not, I would have suspended you straight away, " my manager expressed in a rage-banging tone.
I was dumbfounded for a minute, i couldn't even put in words a possible reply, but i believed that the best thing to help my spirit is to really find out what was wrong. But then my mind went into a rollercoaster of deliberation.
"What if I ask him to explain what I did and it escalates things further" I thought to myself.
I then looked at him, then enquired from him if he was done with why he called my attention and he nodded yes. I thanked him and walked out of the office.
I was devastated in spirit as nothing really was making sense. I am so sure that I have sincerely done nothing, so what is really happening? Who has that bad report about me?
I returned to the bar and continued my job for the day. More customers came around and I got busy. I tried to let lots of other things occupy my mind but I had already made a decision that upon closing hour, I am going back to the manager to ask what I did wrong, and perhaps at this time, he must have gotten better away from the rage he spoke with a while ago.
The day went as planned, everything was awesome and all those who dined with us were happy. Upon closing hour, I completed my account and closed my shift. And just as I was about to go to the manager's office, the supervisor called my name again. It was the manager who wanted to see me again.
As I stepped into the office, the manager took off his glasses and started apologizing.
"I am really sorry the way I spoke to you this morning, the report wasn't about you, it was about the admin. You bear the same name, so the moment the name was mentioned, I assumed that being at the bar and selling drinks l to people is mostly going to put me at the centre of such an altercation with the customer. Please find it in your heart to forgive me" he pleaded.
I looked at him, smiled and told him it's nothing. But to be honest, it was really a huge thing for me. That could have easily ruined my day. I was only happy because I didn't let that ruin the day for me.
He offered to buy me lunch the next day and I obliged.