TALENTED BUT NOT USEFUL

Many years ago, as a Supply Chain Data Officer at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, I had a boss who did not approve of the customised database management system we used for inventory management and other logistics activities in the department.

Before pushing for change, he took time to understand the system, holding several meetings with me and the team. He even requested reports, which I could generate in minutes using Microsoft Access. But ultimately, he advocated for a simpler system—Microsoft Excel—perhaps because he wasn’t familiar with Access.

When he insisted on the switch, I refused. I had strong reasons, but he was adamant. Without much discussion, he proceeded with his plans—conducting stock counts, restructuring inventory categories, and implementing an Excel-based management system. He even instructed the warehouse team to exclude me from data-sharing and rerouted all requests through another staff member.

For weeks, I sat at work doing nothing but observing. I later learned he was working to make my role redundant and recommended my dismissal.

Realising what was at stake, I swallowed my pride and appealed to him, I mean BEGGED HIM. To my surprise, he handed the new system back to me to manage. A few months later, he saw the limitations of Excel and requested we return to the original database.

Key Takeaway?

Talent and skills are great, but without adaptability and alignment with team goals, they can become a liability and you will be USELESS. I’m grateful I learned this lesson the easy way—hopefully, you won’t have to learn it the hard way.

Shalom.

Keep in Mind:

📢 At Rapid Experience Logistics Limited, we handle all kinds of supply chain challenges.

📚 At Jewel Publishers and Services, we reign as kings in printing and publishing.

📩 Get in touch! - +2348033615992, chukac@askchuka.com, chukachiezie1@gmail.com

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