She Slept on Our Maid | A Work Ethic Phenomenon

Picture this: it’s 2016, the year we finally decided to cohabitate. Living together was a whirlwind of shared responsibilities and the occasional squabble over the last slice of pizza. For a while, we handled our chores like pros. No kids, just two career-driven individuals managing a modest household. But as we ascended the corporate ladder, our time for domestic duties dwindled. Enter the maid.

Our first hire was…fine. She did her job, no more, no less. Until one day, we realized a few things had mysteriously vanished along with her. Thus began the hunt for maid number two, and that’s where the real story begins.

We recently got a new maid. And she has shaken us in many ways.

Now, when I say “slept on our maid,” I don’t mean it literally (got you there, didn’t I?). No, my wife underestimated her – big time. What we discovered was a work ethic phenomenon, the likes of which could put the corporate world’s best to shame. Here’s a taste of the awe-inspiring dedication our maid brings to the table.

Communication: A Masterclass

Our maid is a communication maestro. Before she leaves a room, she ensures we are on the same crystal-clear page. She asks questions, lots of them, to avoid assumptions. And she explains why she’s asking, demonstrating the logic behind her actions. She prepares the household for any deviation from routine with the poise of a seasoned diplomat. She speaks with a perfect blend of respect, courtesy, and humor. She reads the room like a seasoned poker player, knowing exactly when to fold and exit the conversation. Despite my pleas for her to stop kneeling, she insists on maintaining a hierarchy – a gentle reminder that respect in the workplace (or home, in this case) isn’t about equality but about acknowledgment and courtesy.

Professional Chain of Command

In our household, my wife oversees the maid department. She handles all payments and decisions, and our maid respects this chain of command impeccably. Even though I’m the one who technically pays her, she never bypasses my wife to address work-related matters. Our conversations are brief, always accompanied by a polite smile, strictly professional. She exemplifies the importance of respecting the hierarchy, ensuring her needs and concerns reach me through the proper channels.

Taking the Blame with Grace

Our maid delivers high-quality work, pays meticulous attention to detail, and consistently exceeds expectations. She never flaunts her competence, instead performing her duties with quiet grace. Mistakes happen in any setup, and our household is no different. Whenever there’s a slip-up, she steps up, taking the blame without hesitation. This isn’t about exoneration – it’s about her work ethic shining through. People notice her problem-solving skills, her ability to manage conflicts, and her unwavering positive attitude.

The Soft Skills of Success

These traits might seem simple, but they’re the soft skills that can help anyone navigate even the most toxic or complex workplaces. Our maid’s dedication and professionalism have been a revelation. My wife might have underestimated her at first, but now we both see her as a beacon of what true work ethic looks like.

So, there you have it. From the modest beginnings of managing our own chores to witnessing the profound professionalism of our maid, we’ve learned that sometimes, the best lessons come from the most unexpected places.

Written by Solomon Walter Muleyi

The writer is a Creative Director at Adris Digital Africa