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A direct mentor of mine updated some really silly stuff on his WhatsApp status. He was on a rant on dishing out very unreasonable opinions.
This is someone I hold in high regards and I have been learning so much from.
This is someone I hold in high regards and I have been learning so much from.
Some months ago our relationship became really personal that he became truly dedicated to coaching me.
When I viewed those status updates, I was shocked and simultaneously I was deeply disappointed at how shallow someone I respected so much could think.
When I viewed those status updates, I was shocked and simultaneously I was deeply disappointed at how shallow someone I respected so much could think.
I was so keen to counter his opinions but due to the respect I had for him, I chose to resist the urge. I was at the brink of replying to him but my desire to maintain a good relationship between us and avoid any bad blood was stronger than my desire to contest him.
Finally, I ignored and moved on.
After a few days, he messaged me to inquire to know whether I saw his status updates. I told him yes. Then he asked why I didn't protest them. I initially tried to be diplomatic and tried to convince him that I concurred with the opinions.
After a few days, he messaged me to inquire to know whether I saw his status updates. I told him yes. Then he asked why I didn't protest them. I initially tried to be diplomatic and tried to convince him that I concurred with the opinions.
He chuckled and told me that I don't have to lie to impress him. He asked me to be truthful and say my mind.
I politely told him that I had so much wanted to counter the opinions but I was too afraid to disrespect him because there was no way possible that I would've retorted...
I politely told him that I had so much wanted to counter the opinions but I was too afraid to disrespect him because there was no way possible that I would've retorted...
...to those updates without sounding disrespectful.
Then he called me via WhatsApp call. He chuckled and said that he set up a test for 10 of his favorite protégés to ascertain which of us had the guts to speak the truth regardless of the situation or the person involved.
Then he called me via WhatsApp call. He chuckled and said that he set up a test for 10 of his favorite protégés to ascertain which of us had the guts to speak the truth regardless of the situation or the person involved.
I was blown away when it dawned on me that I failed the test.
Wow. I knew it. He couldn't be that vicious to make such opinions.
He said it was only one of us who was bold enough to contest him, then they eventually went on to have a long heartfelt, and insightful conversation.
Wow. I knew it. He couldn't be that vicious to make such opinions.
He said it was only one of us who was bold enough to contest him, then they eventually went on to have a long heartfelt, and insightful conversation.
He said and I quote, "You are young. May you never be devoted to a person at the expense of renouncing your own character and belief. Human beings are imperfect and are likely to go off course. Know when to draw the line and be firm in your own truth."
His own mentor taught him this and I thought I should share this with you guys.
It's okay to have people who inspire you and look up to but what isn't okay is to deny the fact that they are capable of making missteps and you are capable of correcting them.
It's okay to have people who inspire you and look up to but what isn't okay is to deny the fact that they are capable of making missteps and you are capable of correcting them.
Lastly, have an independent mind of your own and guide it religiously.
End.
End.
