{"id":20418,"date":"2025-01-17T15:23:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T13:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/?p=20418"},"modified":"2025-01-17T15:23:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T13:23:13","slug":"the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz","title":{"rendered":"The Day Mr. No-Smile Smiled"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>At the Black Tribe office, everyone had a nickname. There was <em>Jovial Joana<\/em>, <em>Busy Ben<\/em>, and then there was <em>Mr. No-Smile<\/em>, a title reserved for Sumaila, the perpetually stern-faced operations officer. Sumaila was the kind of person who treated every interaction like a business meeting, whether it was about quarterly goals or where to get lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nobody knew much about him. He was polite, efficient, and always on time, but his face was locked in a permanent scowl. Office jokes bounced off him like rain on a windshield. Even during surprise birthday parties or team outings, Sumaila\u2019s expression remained unchanged. &#8220;One day, we\u2019ll get a smile out of him,&#8221; Joana joked frequently. But deep down, the team had given up hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until one unforgettable Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff33baca6c7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff33baca6c7\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#The_Whisper\" >The Whisper<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#An_Unexpected_Gesture\" >An Unexpected Gesture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#The_Big_Reveal\" >The Big Reveal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#The_Aftermath\" >The Aftermath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#The_Moral_of_the_Story\" >The Moral of the Story<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#5_Reasons_Why_You_Need_an_Insider_to_Give_You_a_Heads-Up_at_Work\" >5 Reasons Why You Need an Insider to Give You a Heads-Up at Work<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#1_Early_Warning_on_Potential_Pitfalls\" >1. Early Warning on Potential Pitfalls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#2_Access_to_Hidden_Opportunities\" >2. Access to Hidden Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#3_Navigating_Office_Politics\" >3. Navigating Office Politics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#4_Insight_on_Unofficial_Expectations\" >4. Insight on Unofficial Expectations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-day-mr-no-smile-smiled-the-office-buzz\/#5_Improved_Team_Collaboration\" >5. Improved Team Collaboration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-whisper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Whisper\"><\/span><strong>The Whisper<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It started like any other day. Sumaila arrived at exactly 8:30 a.m., dressed impeccably in a crisp African print shirt and his face as stern as ever. The office was unusually quiet, though. Whispers floated through the air like stray clouds, and furtive glances were exchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By lunchtime, the tension was palpable. It wasn\u2019t long before Joana, the office\u2019s unofficial news anchor, got wind of it: the company was posting a <em>redundancy list<\/em> at 3 p.m. sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While most employees nervously speculated about their fate, Sumaila remained calm, typing away at his desk. He was either unaware or unfazed, but one thing was clear: he wasn\u2019t in the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-unexpected-gesture\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Unexpected_Gesture\"><\/span><strong>An Unexpected Gesture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Joana hesitated. She had always found Sumaila intimidating, but something about his oblivious focus tugged at her conscience. Summoning her courage, she approached his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSumaila,\u201d she said softly, glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one was listening. \u201cI think you should know\u2026 there\u2019s a redundancy list being posted later. Your name might be on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sumaila paused, his fingers frozen over his keyboard. \u201cWhy are you telling me this?\u201d he asked, his tone measured but his expression unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joana shrugged. \u201cI figured you\u2019d want a heads-up. Maybe prepare, you know? It\u2019s nothing personal, it\u2019s just company stuff. But I thought it was only fair to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, something extraordinary happened. Sumaila\u2019s lips curved upward slowly, uncertainly, but unmistakably a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d he said, his voice softer than anyone had ever heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-big-reveal\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Big_Reveal\"><\/span><strong>The Big Reveal<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At 3 p.m., as promised, the list went up on the notice board. Employees gathered around, holding their breath. Sumaila, however, stayed at his desk, calmly sipping his asaana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the murmurs started, Joana rushed over to check. To her surprise, Sumaila\u2019s name wasn\u2019t on the list. He was safe. Relieved, she turned to find him standing right behind her, grinning, a genuine grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI knew I\u2019d be fine,\u201d he said, his eyes twinkling. \u201cBut your kindness reminded me that this place is more than just work. It\u2019s about people, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-aftermath\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Aftermath\"><\/span><strong>The Aftermath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The transformation was instant. Sumaila began chatting more with colleagues, cracking dry but surprisingly funny jokes, and even joining the Friday trivia games. His smiles became more frequent, and the team openly welcomed this unexpected shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joana often joked, \u201cWe should\u2019ve put you on the redundancy list ages ago!\u201d to which Sumaila would laugh &#8211; Hahahahhahaa\u2026\u2026 a sound the office had never thought they\u2019d hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-moral-of-the-story\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Moral_of_the_Story\"><\/span><strong>The Moral of the Story<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sumaila\u2019s story is a reminder of the power of kindness and connection at work. Being nice costs nothing, but its rewards are immeasurable. Joana\u2019s small act of consideration didn\u2019t just change Sumaila\u2019s day, it changed his outlook, fostered friendship, and strengthened the team dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The workplace thrives not on individual successes alone but on mutual respect, empathy, and the simple act of looking out for one another. So, smile more, help a colleague, and spread a little kindness. You will never know whose life you might change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-reasons-why-you-need-an-insider-to-give-you-a-heads-up-at-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Reasons_Why_You_Need_an_Insider_to_Give_You_a_Heads-Up_at_Work\"><\/span><strong>5 Reasons Why You Need an Insider to Give You a Heads-Up at Work<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Ghanaian professional space, having a reliable &#8220;plug&#8221; at work can make all the difference in navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and staying ahead. Here\u2019s why cultivating relationships with workplace insiders is crucial:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-early-warning-on-potential-pitfalls\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Early_Warning_on_Potential_Pitfalls\"><\/span><strong>1. Early Warning on Potential Pitfalls<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"a man helping another man out from a pit\" class=\"wp-image-20422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-office.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Insiders can alert you to potential risks like company changes, shifting priorities, or looming deadlines. This forewarning allows you to prepare or pivot your strategy, saving you from surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-access-to-hidden-opportunities\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Access_to_Hidden_Opportunities\"><\/span><strong>2. Access to Hidden Opportunities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-life-the-office-buzz-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\" picture of a hand showing colleagues where opportunities are\" class=\"wp-image-20419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-life-the-office-buzz-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-life-the-office-buzz-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workplace-life-the-office-buzz-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An insider might tip you off about an upcoming internal job posting or training program before it\u2019s widely circulated. Such information gives you a head start, enabling you to prepare your application or position yourself strategically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-navigating-office-politics\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Navigating_Office_Politics\"><\/span><strong>3. Navigating Office Politics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every workplace has its<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/navigating-office-politics-building-positive-work-relationships\"> politics<\/a>, and insiders can guide you through the unspoken rules of the workplace. They\u2019ll help you understand the dynamics of decision-making, key influencers, and how to align your actions to fit the culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-insight-on-unofficial-expectations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Insight_on_Unofficial_Expectations\"><\/span><strong>4. Insight on Unofficial Expectations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, what\u2019s written in the job description isn\u2019t the full picture. Insiders can clarify managers&#8217; unspoken expectations or preferences, helping you excel beyond the formal requirements of your role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-improved-team-collaboration\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Improved_Team_Collaboration\"><\/span><strong>5. Improved Team Collaboration<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workpllace-ethics-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"a team happy  of workers \" class=\"wp-image-20420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workpllace-ethics-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workpllace-ethics-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workpllace-ethics-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/workpllace-ethics-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a trusted ally in your department, you can exchange ideas, feedback, and even collaborate on projects more effectively. Their knowledge of what\u2019s happening across teams can ensure that your contributions align with broader goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workplace insiders are not just colleagues they can be your mentors, allies, or even confidants. By cultivating genuine relationships and staying connected, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities that could otherwise remain hidden. Remember, it\u2019s a two-way street: be a <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/marketahuzel.com\/11-ways-how-to-be-resourceful\">resource<\/a> for others, and you\u2019ll find they\u2019re more likely to reciprocate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy more interesting stories on &#8216;<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/politics-and-play-effects-of-political-discussion-in-the-workplace\">The Office Buzz<\/a>&#8216;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sumaila was the kind of person who treated every interaction like a business meeting, whether it was about quarterly goals or where to get lunch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":20423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1116],"tags":[1821,1822,1740,1820,1819],"content_author":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-20418","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-life-at-work","8":"tag-navigating-office-politics","9":"tag-networking-at-workplaces","10":"tag-the-office-buzz","11":"tag-workplace-etiquette","12":"tag-workplace-politics"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20418\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20418"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=20418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}