An experience of responsibility, loyalty and human kindness
AI-generated image for representational purposes only.
In 1981, while I was still on probation, I was supervising my maintenance team as we prepared a machine for relocation.
Our task was to loosen all the foundation bolts before moving the machine. Unfortunately, what could go wrong did go wrong. We overlooked one anchoring bolt, and when the machine was moved, that portion of its cast-iron base broke.
The Manufacturing Head was understandably upset and took the maintenance team to task. I intervened and said that, as the supervisor, I accepted responsibility for what had happened.
My team, however, was not pleased with me for doing so. They felt that I was risking the confirmation of my job and insisted on taking responsibility themselves. Their instinct was to protect me at a time when my position in the company was still uncertain.
Fortunately, the Manufacturing Head was kind-hearted enough not to blow the incident out of proportion. The matter was handled with understanding and allowed to rest.
My appointment was subsequently confirmed, and I remained with the company for more than a decade.
More than forty years later, I still remember that incident—not merely as a mistake made during a machine relocation, but as an experience of loyalty, compassion and grace.
I am sure each of us can recall at least a couple of occasions when someone outside our family reached out to protect us, support us or give us another chance.
Sometimes, help comes from where we least expect it.
God works through people.