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My Learning Today – 16th August: IF YOU DO NOT WANT IT TO GO VIRAL, DO NOT SHARE IT


Can you really keep a secret once it leaves your lips?

A few years ago, a close friend of mine was fired from his job over financial misappropriation, something our firm does not tolerate. Because he had served diligently, management recalled the dismissal letter and allowed him to tender a resignation instead. (Those in HR will understand the difference.)

Since he was one of the most popular staff members and close to me, colleagues kept asking about him when he suddenly stopped showing up for two weeks. Under pressure, I let slip that he had been fired, not knowing the official story was that he resigned.

That was enough for the office rumour mill to catch fire. Staff began digging for details, and when they finally pieced it together, my words confirmed the truth.

Some reached out to him with sympathy. Others confronted him harshly, asking why he would ever stoop to behaviour “expected only from criminals.”

He didn’t bother verifying the source. He simply called me, blasted me, warned me never to cross his path again, and threatened that if my words cost him another job, he knew where to find me. Then he hung up.

That moment taught me a lifelong lesson: once a story is out, you can’t take it back. If you don’t want it to go viral, don’t share it.

Till today, if it’s not good news about someone, I shut my mouth. Because nothing is truly a secret once you’ve spoken it.

Shalom.
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Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

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