AI-generated picture.
By Miz. Globe Trotter
A REAL LIFE TALE.
So, a central reason why I’ve chosen to spend this current stay in Nigeria mostly in Air bnbs is because it’s been a ‘working holiday’. Given our notorious infrastructure challenges, I wasn’t inclined to put the work that pays the bills in jeopardy by perching with any of my harried relatives causing them to have to worry/see to my needs and steady power and connectivity.
Even staying in my place not an option-yes, I have a rented place in Lagos…that’s another story for another time.
So today Monday, start of a new work week. At around 11am, power goes out. At the Air bnb I’ve been staying, that’s never been an issue. So far, so good. It has fully lived up to its 24/7 power promise, and I expected, as has been the case thus far, the various alternative power sources to kick in as usual. It’s now been appx 1.5 hrs. No light!! called the host/property manager.
Now herein kicks in the story saga of the potential consequences of not communicating well, adequately. Minor at one end – just a slip up easily resolved with a “sorry ma”.
For me, serious ramifications.
Firstly; hadn’t eaten, was about to make food. Everything electrically powered. Given dietary restrictions/health challenges, very few suitable no heat/no cook food options available. No food in bloodstream and within 3 to 4 hours, there could be very serious consequences.
On the work front – two crucial meetings scheduled back-back. Involving significant decisions which need to be made…today, in order to send out an announcement. Announcement impacts some 35ppl in about 20 countries. They need to use info to make decisions which must be made and acted upon before Eid holiday commences.
Because I wasn’t informed of long term outtage, and having become accustomed to 24/7 power, did not proactively plan to ensure work tools (phone, laptop/iPad) fully charged.
Are you following me so far at potential ripple effect of just a ‘small’ “sorry Ma” communications slip up?
All this is none of my employers business. Afterall I am paid for results. Just think about all the complications building up as the result of a ‘simple’ forgetting to provide a 1 min heads up notice.
To the host/property manager, all resolved with a simple “sorry Ma”! 😡😡
I however am left with at least 2-3hrs of apologizing, rescheduling, calling, emailing etc. etc. With ironically, half charged equipment…
So so much more ripple effect. Exhausted just thinking about all the steps that need to be taken by a host of people just to prevent the wheelbarrow from toppling over.
Moral of the story… dunno 🤷🏽♀️ Do your job? Communicate properly? Proactively?
Just needed to vent – to those I think might understand, those who might ‘get it’. 😬
As I type, I can hear someone in next flat calling someone in estate office to inform them that their phone is dying and they’re expecting an urgent call so they plan to give estate office number to urgent caller or something to that effect. Guess not just me impacted and some situations apparently even more serious than mine…
I plan to fold this real life experience of today into training/learning/coaching going forward.
‘The Power Of Communicating – Well’.