11/09/2025
I strongly believe that people should have a clear and strict job description in the workplace and not be unnecessarily burdened with petty tasks outside their role. Sadly, many organisations deliberately keep job descriptions open-ended, so they can add irrelevant responsibilities as they wish. And most times, these added tasks do not serve the career or professional growth of the employee.
That being said, I have also realised that people who behave like the young man in the attachment do so out of pride, and pride rarely allows anyone to grow in the workplace.
There is a certain level of humility and level-headedness required to attract the attention and mentorship of senior colleagues or bosses. As a young engineer, I made it a point to defer to my seniors and assist them even with seemingly minor assignments. Doing so was not just about the tasks; it was about building relationships and creating room for mentorship.
Beyond the workplace, my upbringing also instilled in me a culture of respect which prime me to offer to help my superiors whenever I could. Carrying a bag, running an errand, or providing assistance in small ways was never a big deal to me. Many may spin this to look like servitude, but I consider it a reflection of character and humility.
In the workplace, small acts of service are a rite of passage that demonstrate good behaviour and create trust. They open doors for mentorship and growth opportunities. I once had two subordinates who owned their own cars. One of them, instead of using his car as a prideful statement, used it as a tool of service. His humility paid off greatly. I even recommended him for a high paying job when an opportunity came up, and today he is excelling.
Just last night, I needed something done on-site. Even though he no longer works directly with me, he insisted on helping, despite having his own work the next morning. Such humility and willingness to serve are the exact traits that make seniors and mentors go out of their way to support your growth.
Dear young professionals, don’t let pride rob you of processes that are meant to shape and elevate you. Use what you have, whether it is a car, skill, or resource, as a tool for service and growth, not for making shallow statements of importance. If what you have were enough in itself, you wouldn’t even need a job. The workplace is a platform for learning and growth.
Submit yourself to the process, stay humble, and you will rise faster than pride will ever take you.
