Let your excellent work speak for you!

Everywhere looked quite dull but my friend was looking worse off.

‘Did you have so much fun over the weekend & didn’t want it to end?’ I asked.

‘It is something else bro’. ‘I am a bit fed up with work generally’. ‘Coming to work has become a torment’

That was a red flag that needed more attention, I thought to myself and pulled him to a corner to talk more.

‘I do not feel comfortable with working in the office. My work is not appreciated. After working hard for many months, Management doesn't approve & has shelved far more work than it has approved. Management doesn't provide the required resources for my work. People just loaf around, I am fed up and thinking about a new adventure.’

I used to feel that way too, I told him. However, I recommitted to excellence in my work a long time ago but recently a Policeman showed me that good work never goes unnoticed.

I first encountered the policeman at the intersection of Obasanjo Way & Ahmadu Bello Way in Garki, Abuja. I see him at the Army HQ junction at Tafawa Balewa Way by Obasanjo Way these days. We have seen policemen who dance, run around, and demonstrate in various ways but this man simply smiles and waves at motorists, wishing them a great day.

My initial reaction was ‘What is this one doing?’ I been no send the guy at all, ‘wetin be him own’ I reasoned. But every day was & still is the same - you’d see a genuine smile on him as he directs traffic joyfully. Then one day he didn’t wave or greet me. He passed 2 lines of traffic at the same time and faced the other line. I was a bit disappointed. What? Was I not dismissive of the greetings just some weeks past? You see, over time, he had won my heart with his genuineness and consistency but I hadn't realized it until that day. These days, I look forward to seeing that man & it feels good to wave back at him & wish him a great day as well.

Your work is like your greeting and wave to Management. Like it was with me to the Policeman, they may resent you because you probably are bringing up issues that are not burning to them. But never for once think that they do not notice. Keep at it. Do your work with dedication, joy & excellence and someday you will be acknowledged and the recognition you seek will be superabundant!

Many people at one time or another doubted if they were visible to Management and if their work mattered. But you see what I have realized in my few years working? One thing is sure, Management will come around someday, perhaps with a change in leadership; will you be ready? Will your work be marked with excellence?

Just as a seed grows in the dark of the soil, work as hard and diligently as you can & soon the bright light of Management recognition & appreciation will light your growth path.