How I Received a Promotion at Work

By: Temitope Olaoluwa

For over ten months, I worked as the Assistant Head of Store, earning slightly more than N100,000. I was never motivated by money; instead, I was concerned with ensuring that everything in my department was done correctly and in order.

On the 28th of April, 2022, the Logistics Manager resigned from his position. Following his resignation, I got a call from my MD to fill the position until the organization could find someone more experienced and best suited for the role.

Regardless, I took it upon myself to learn more about the role while serving as the logistics manager for over 40 workers, both learned and unlearned. After two months of working as the acting logistics manager, most of my coworkers noticed a difference in our deliveries and the fact that I completed tasks on time and within deadlines.

I embarked on a risky adventure one morning. One of our sites needed some items, and it was critical that they receive them as early as possible the following morning. I was able to deliver the items as early as 3 am. I was also able to make it to another site by 6:30 am that morning. The Executive Director was impressed by me and had a meeting with the Managing Director to confirm my new role as the Logistics Manager.  

Although I was seemingly not qualified for the role because I lacked the necessary experience, my eagerness to learn and get things done well qualified me for the position. 

We don't get jobs because we have the required years of experience; it's how we respond to opportunities that come our way that qualifies us. Many people have been fired from this position, but God has been with me. I applied everything I learned at OPL Academy: problem solving skills, listening skills, leadership skills, and critical thinking to become an asset in my company.