A retired Nigerian Air Force officer has shared how a former junior colleague became his supervisor in the United States, reminding everyone that respect, fairness, and kindness can shape relationships long after ranks and titles have changed.
"A former Nigerian Air Force pilot became my supervisor here in the US. I was his SSM in Nigeria, but we never imagined life would turn out this way.
For those who maltreat people unjustly, let this be a warning. He became my superior at work and was responsible for assigning my duties, schedules, and work hours.
Thankfully, we had always maintained a good relationship while in service. Do your job professionally, but don't victimise, maltreat, or place unnecessary pressure on your subordinates. Discipline people only when necessary, not out of malice.
If I had treated him badly in Nigeria, he could have easily retaliated by making my work difficult. But he never did. He still addressed me respectfully, and we remain good friends to this day.
Treat people well because you never know where life will bring you together again. The person you look down on today could be in a position of authority tomorrow.
I'm speaking especially to ACMs, Lance Corporals, and Corporals. The person I'm talking about was a Lance Corporal while I was a Sergeant. Please, do your job sincerely, but never look down on anyone because of their rank.
When I arrived in New York years ago, a senior NCO came to pick me up. I had no one else. He took me into his home and looked after me for six months without allowing me to spend a dime. He wouldn't even let me buy soap or toothpaste. He told me to save my money because I was still new.
Never underestimate yourself or anyone else. When I later moved to California, both junior and senior retired NCOs welcomed me, supported me, connected me with people, and helped me get a job.
Ask yourself how you treat the people around you. Subordinates, are you respecting your superiors? Superiors, are you treating your subordinates fairly?
If you're a boss today, be careful because you don't know what tomorrow holds. One day you'll move to another stage of life and may find yourself dealing with people you've known before. How they relate with you then will depend largely on how you treated them today."
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