A smile I wish in every manager that mentors you!

The answer to the usual question, “Who’s your favorite teacher, dear?” has remained the same for me for about 25 years now: Sister Tessin. I have never come across a better one or anyone close to Sister Tessin. She taught me in my play school and then went on to teach me till class 4 in Catechism classes in Sunday School. And what makes her The Best! In fact, I find it challenging to be brief here because she’s a lot more than the bullet points below.

1. She believed in me. She encouraged me to participate in cultural events and gave me the chance to represent my school in the interschool cultural fest in the dance competition. She even talked to my parents to send me to a dance teacher to help me improve my skills. She stands in stark contrast to the majority, sadly. I have also had teachers who had me do the behind-the-stage work since I wasn’t “appealing enough” to go on stage (I was chubbier than most girls, had a darker complexion than what a “main character” of any play should be, and was taller than most guys too).

2. Tessin teacher, as I call her, is the sweetest of all the teachers I have ever met. I had to repeat that because she embodied a mother in the teacher. She is that genuine spirit who expresses all of her love and wouldn’t save it in fear of losing students’ respect. We loved and respected her!

3. Tessin teacher is the problem solver and patient listener one would wish to have in their growing years. Most of the problems that any student faces in their life could help them be stronger. But here’s the catch: This works only if they have the right “interpreter” with them to explain and support in the process. I had this uncle who would throw his kids in the river to help them learn to swim using a survival mode tactic. The kids would go in the water scared but also with reassurance that their father would not let them drown to death. I still have a few apprehensions about the process he uses, but you get the point, right?

After close to 20 years, I met Tessin teacher today, and I could, in fact, feel how happy she was to meet her student after so long. Even though I was with my 9-year-old and 7-year-old nieces when I dropped by to visit her, she was pampering a 28-year-old lady. In her eyes, I was that 3-year-old who walked to the nursery holding my dad’s hand.

One of my mentors had advised me of this true gem.

“In your twenties go explore under managers who are MENTORS.”

He said it would exponentially increase your chances of being a legend in your field of work. I am glad I started with the right person thrusting me onto the stage and into the realm of possibilities and confidence. And let me also give the other side of this very scenario which is equally important.

IF YOUR MANAGER/LEADER SEEMS TO BE TOXIC TO THE TEAM AND ITS VISION, RUNNNNNNN. NO AMOUNT OF SALARY CAN COMPENSATE FOR THE DAMAGE THAT WILL CAUSE!

Practical tips on THE ESCAPE:

- Causing mayhem at the workplace to call out toxic leadership often backfires on the employees. Hence, a personal tip and advice would be to move away rather than engaging in a mutiny to revolutionize at the cost of your career/mental health. The world is such a small place, and words spread.

- No need to mention this reason in your future interviews because no potential employers would appreciate it even though it’s the real reason. Chatgpt, YouTube, or mentors could help you find a narrative that justifies the move.

- If your organization has a system in place to report such instances, follow the protocol to report UNPROFESSIONAL behavior from your Leader/Manager.

For all the professionals mapping out their career goals, don’t underestimate the power of a mentor who is your sponsor in the organization where you’re spending much of your awake time. Wishing you a Tessin teacher who applauds your wins and guides you to growth and more possibilities.