Sometimes everyday feels like the very first day. I remember that day like it was yesterday, yet it occurred more than 20 years ago. I had returned from the ML Sultan Technikon in Durban, having spent 6 month on my first semester studying towards mechanical engineering. Prepared my heart and mind to start working as an apprentice and to study part time.
Then my mum steps in and says to me I should get into computers. Computers were so new, that the word technology was not widely used. This terrified me, however with due care and respect for my mum I went to the scheduled interview. Two days later I was getting dressed for work, the money was to flow immediately. As a young man, that’s all that mattered, a fast car, sound system, clothes, girls the works. I would be the first among the school friends that would be making money.
For the first couple of days, all I did was to page through manuals, I could read every word in that set of manuals and NOT understand a single word. This was terribly frustrating. Knowing what I know today, I wished I had a mentor. However over a period of time, I managed to build up the courage to ask for help, and I got that help. Over the next few years I began to learn more and more and the level of confidence grew as well.
After about 12 months, I was getting restless and wanted more…. more what I was not certain yet. I had it all worked out. I would hand in my resignation, and was ready for a journey in the banking world. I made the decision to go into banking simply, FNB were going to pay me 50 bucks more a month, and the perks included a fixed working time. I was young and only money mattered.
So my boss walks in and I hand in my resignation, he opens it up and reads it. He then pulls up a chair and says to me, Mohammed what do you really want?
What kind of a question is that, I thought to myself. I did not prepare for any questions, just ‘best of luck’ or ‘all of the best’.
He then took the time to talk to me and more importantly he listened without any haste and truly connected with me.
I stayed, for the true leader in me was about to emerge, a leader that influences, encourages, grows and allows others to be exceptional.
His words had stayed with me, to this day.
“Mohammed I will help make you marketable….”
More than 10 years later, was when this statement made any sense to me.
My great thanks to my MUM for supporting me and encouraging me to try new things. Thanks to Greg to the insight and for being a true mentor.
