It helps just to connect with people, to listen to the things others are saying; to hear others stories of why they are different. We all have needs as humans that make all of us common. Wisdom often dwells in simplicity and not the sophisticated complexion of vain knowledge.
He is a driver and this time I had hired him as we drove home. Many things we chatted out from some minor politics, sports and then social life till we reached this humbling and yet learning point for me.
We were meant to branch off to the right at this T junction. The traffic was intense with heavy trucks flowing consistently back and forth as we were caught up in the midst of the road. With a speeding truck still a distance of 10 to 15 meters approaching.
I remembered what another driver would do. It happened once and I was uncomfortable. Later it happened the second and third times where he branched at the right side of the junction and not the left. I guess complacency crept in and the feeling of discomfort left. Instead a feeling of bravery, sharpness arose to swallow my sense of reason and right.
Then I told him what the other driver used to do, in a way suggesting that it was okay for him to do the same.
‘You see, I had a supervisor when I had just started working and driving. Every day I would bring the car back with scratches due to the reckless nature of driving in Kampala. My other bosses recommended my dismissal but this supervisor would say, no, he is young and has been driving in the village, he will catch up’ he retorted.
‘Then the supervisor took me aside and said my son, when you are driving, be steady… do this and the other… to be a better driver. From that day, I do not get cars scratched unless it is someone else’ mistake.’
Mentoring gave him a chance to survive. He could not do what the other first driver would do because some older, more experienced and caring supervisor; not related to him by consanguinity, dared to call him son. That mentor crafted and curved a mark of professionalism, patience and distinction not even the excitement of foolish bravery could attempt to erase.
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