At the Black Tribe office, everyone had a nickname. There was Jovial Joana, Busy Ben, and then there was Mr. No-Smile, a title reserved for Sumaila, the perpetually stern-faced operations officer. Sumaila was the kind of person who treated every interaction like a business meeting, whether it was about quarterly goals or where to get lunch.
Nobody knew much about him. He was polite, efficient, and always on time, but his face was locked in a permanent scowl. Office jokes bounced off him like rain on a windshield. Even during surprise birthday parties or team outings, Sumaila’s expression remained unchanged. “One day, we’ll get a smile out of him,” Joana joked frequently. But deep down, the team had given up hope.
Until one unforgettable Friday.
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The Whisper
It started like any other day. Sumaila arrived at exactly 8:30 a.m., dressed impeccably in a crisp African print shirt and his face as stern as ever. The office was unusually quiet, though. Whispers floated through the air like stray clouds, and furtive glances were exchanged.
By lunchtime, the tension was palpable. It wasn’t long before Joana, the office’s unofficial news anchor, got wind of it: the company was posting a redundancy list at 3 p.m. sharp.
While most employees nervously speculated about their fate, Sumaila remained calm, typing away at his desk. He was either unaware or unfazed, but one thing was clear: he wasn’t in the loop.
An Unexpected Gesture
Joana hesitated. She had always found Sumaila intimidating, but something about his oblivious focus tugged at her conscience. Summoning her courage, she approached his desk.
“Sumaila,” she said softly, glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one was listening. “I think you should know… there’s a redundancy list being posted later. Your name might be on it.”
Sumaila paused, his fingers frozen over his keyboard. “Why are you telling me this?” he asked, his tone measured but his expression unchanged.
Joana shrugged. “I figured you’d want a heads-up. Maybe prepare, you know? It’s nothing personal, it’s just company stuff. But I thought it was only fair to tell you.”
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, something extraordinary happened. Sumaila’s lips curved upward slowly, uncertainly, but unmistakably a smile.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice softer than anyone had ever heard.
The Big Reveal
At 3 p.m., as promised, the list went up on the notice board. Employees gathered around, holding their breath. Sumaila, however, stayed at his desk, calmly sipping his asaana.
When the murmurs started, Joana rushed over to check. To her surprise, Sumaila’s name wasn’t on the list. He was safe. Relieved, she turned to find him standing right behind her, grinning, a genuine grin.
“I knew I’d be fine,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “But your kindness reminded me that this place is more than just work. It’s about people, too.”
The Aftermath
The transformation was instant. Sumaila began chatting more with colleagues, cracking dry but surprisingly funny jokes, and even joining the Friday trivia games. His smiles became more frequent, and the team openly welcomed this unexpected shift.
Joana often joked, “We should’ve put you on the redundancy list ages ago!” to which Sumaila would laugh – Hahahahhahaa…… a sound the office had never thought they’d hear.
The Moral of the Story
Sumaila’s story is a reminder of the power of kindness and connection at work. Being nice costs nothing, but its rewards are immeasurable. Joana’s small act of consideration didn’t just change Sumaila’s day, it changed his outlook, fostered friendship, and strengthened the team dynamic.
The workplace thrives not on individual successes alone but on mutual respect, empathy, and the simple act of looking out for one another. So, smile more, help a colleague, and spread a little kindness. You will never know whose life you might change.
5 Reasons Why You Need an Insider to Give You a Heads-Up at Work
In the Ghanaian professional space, having a reliable “plug” at work can make all the difference in navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and staying ahead. Here’s why cultivating relationships with workplace insiders is crucial:
1. Early Warning on Potential Pitfalls
Insiders can alert you to potential risks like company changes, shifting priorities, or looming deadlines. This forewarning allows you to prepare or pivot your strategy, saving you from surprises.
2. Access to Hidden Opportunities
An insider might tip you off about an upcoming internal job posting or training program before it’s widely circulated. Such information gives you a head start, enabling you to prepare your application or position yourself strategically.
3. Navigating Office Politics
Every workplace has its politics, and insiders can guide you through the unspoken rules of the workplace. They’ll help you understand the dynamics of decision-making, key influencers, and how to align your actions to fit the culture.
4. Insight on Unofficial Expectations
Sometimes, what’s written in the job description isn’t the full picture. Insiders can clarify managers’ unspoken expectations or preferences, helping you excel beyond the formal requirements of your role.
5. Improved Team Collaboration
When you have a trusted ally in your department, you can exchange ideas, feedback, and even collaborate on projects more effectively. Their knowledge of what’s happening across teams can ensure that your contributions align with broader goals.
Workplace insiders are not just colleagues they can be your mentors, allies, or even confidants. By cultivating genuine relationships and staying connected, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities that could otherwise remain hidden. Remember, it’s a two-way street: be a resource for others, and you’ll find they’re more likely to reciprocate.
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