Monday's charm on empathy

Ah, Mondays! A fresh start to the week, filled with the hope of productivity, ambition, and, let’s not forget, coffee strong enough to wake the ancestors. Today, I arrived at work early, looking sharp and ready to conquer the day. My outfit? On point. My energy? Sunshine bright. My mood? Optimistic. Just as I was about to serenade Monday with praises, one scrawny mosquito with kwashiorkor decided to make an unsolicited cameo. Life has its comedians.

But I digress. Today, I’m basking in gratitude for a valuable lesson: empathy, even when it’s not returned.

Let me set the scene. I walked into the office full of energy, only to find my team behind schedule. Deadlines loomed, tasks piled up, and my temper was warming up like jollof rice on a slow burner. My initial instinct? To deliver a fiery TED Talk titled “Why You All Should Do Better.” But before I could unleash my inner drill sergeant, a conversation I’d had with my friend, ThatVeilChick (she’s practically a sage), popped into my mind.

We had talked about how people are often objectified in workplaces seen more as tools for output than as humans with limits. That conversation hit me like a well-aimed slap of reality. Was I about to become the boss who forgets that humans need rest? Nope. Not today.

I took a deep breath, channelled my inner zen master, and chose empathy over irritation. My team had worked on Sunday (yes, Sunday, the holy day of rest, Netflix, and laundry). They were tired, and their energy was clearly running on eba fumes. Instead of getting mad, I decided to find a solution.

And guess what? The solution wasn’t just a pat on the back or motivational quotes; it was practical action. I proposed to management that we ban Sunday work altogether. To my surprise and immense joy they agreed! To God be the glory, My team now gets their Sundays back to rest, recharge, and live a little. This is a win for empathy and a lesson in leadership I won’t forget.

Grateful for Guidance

Now, let me give credit where it’s due. I am immensely grateful for the instinct that led me to seek advice from a friend who has more experience than I do. Let’s face it, being in a leadership position can sometimes feel like playing chess when you barely know checkers. Thankfully, this sweet friend reminded me that true leadership is not about cracking the whip but about understanding the needs of your team and working together to find solutions.

 “Always ask yourself, how would you want to be treated if the tables were turned?” That simple question became my guiding light. Leaders, take notes!

On a lighter note, I learned that leadership sometimes means swallowing your ego and asking for help. I mean, who has all the answers? Even Google sometimes says, “We have no results for that query.” So, to all my fellow leaders: surround yourself with wise people, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance. Trust me, it saves you from unnecessary drama.

Grateful for My Team

I can’t write this without celebrating my incredible team. These folks are resilient. They worked through exhaustion, tackled challenges head-on, and stayed committed even when the odds weren’t in their favour. Sure, they get on my nerves sometimes (like when they forget deadlines or mix up reports), but who doesn’t? At the end of the day, they inspire me with their dedication.

Now that Sunday work is off the table, I look forward to seeing them refreshed and energized. To my team, if you’re reading this, know that I see you, I appreciate you, and I’ve got your back unless you eat the last piece of office cake without sharing.

And let’s not forget the laughs we share. Just last week, one of my teammates tried to pronounce Garau Garau a native Hausa dish and confidently called it gwara-gwara. The entire office burst into laughter, and for the rest of the day, we couldn’t stop teasing her about ordering a plate of “gwara-gwara with extra spice.” Moments like these remind me that a happy team is a productive team and one that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even in our culinary adventures!

Call to Action: Spread Empathy, It’s Free!

Dear reader, let’s be honest: life would be a whole lot better if we all sprinkled empathy around like confetti. The workplace, especially, needs it. If you’re a leader, remember that your team is not a bunch of robots with unlimited battery life. They’re humans with lives, dreams, and yes, limits.

So here’s your challenge: find one way to show empathy in your workplace this week. Maybe it’s a kind word, a day off, or simply asking, “How are you really doing?” You’ll be surprised how far a little compassion can go.

To my fellow employees, extend that same empathy to your co-workers. Be the colleague who supports, uplifts, and, when necessary, shares snacks. Remember, we’re all in this rat race together.

A Final Note (And a Laugh)

Before I sign off, let’s circle back to that mosquito. Do you know it made a reappearance during lunch? Imagine me trying to enjoy my rice and stew, only for this insect to perform aerial acrobatics around my head. It reminded me of one thing: just like mosquitoes, some workplace challenges are persistent. But with the right attitude, a little humour, and a dose of gratitude, we can swat them away (metaphorically, of course).

Also, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the real MVP: coffee. Without it, would this gratitude post even exist? Probably not. Mondays and coffee go together like jollof rice and fried plantains inseparable, iconic, and essential.

So here’s to Mondays that teach us lessons, friends who guide us, and teams that inspire us. And if you ever find yourself in a tough spot, remember to pause, breathe, and choose empathy it’s sweeter than even the best jollof rice.

Stay kind, stay grateful, and please, invest in mosquito repellent. Chill and enjoy your week!