Pride

In every workplace, the arrival of a new leader often brings a mix of excitement and trepidation. Such was the case at my school when my Principal retired, leaving a leadership void that lingered for nearly a month. As the days passed and rumors swirled, whispers surfaced about his successor, a man notoriously known for his prideful demeanor.

Before the new Principal even set foot on campus, I began receiving phone calls from colleagues in other schools, each warning me about his high self-esteem and assertive personality. Despite all the cautionary tales, I remained steadfast in my belief that I could work with anyone, regardless of their reputation.

The day before he officially took over, I received an unexpected call. It was him, my new boss. He introduced himself and instructed me to create a WhatsApp group for all staff, which he insisted on being part of. Skeptical of his identity and instinctively cautious, I hesitated to comply, eventually yielding to avoid potential conflict with someone I’d yet to meet.

When the fateful day arrived, I observed him from a distance as he drove into the school in a vintage 1993 Honda Accord, exuding an air of superiority. The rumors had painted a vivid picture, a man full of himself, drove into the school grounds like royalty. I remained rooted to my spot, taking in the scene with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

As he began his first day, I watched as he interacted with a student, demanding to know the names of the staff present. His demeanor was commanding, almost intimidating. Staff trickled in, casting wary glances at the new figure in our midst, hesitant to approach a man rumored to be proud and aloof. It wasn't long before he realized that no one was engaging with him and subsequently sent for me.

Approaching him, I ventured a tentative greeting. “Good morning, sir.” He acknowledged me curtly and reminded me that we had spoken previously. The conversation took a sharp turn when he declared that the staff were disrespectful for not greeting him. I pointed out the obvious, there had been no formal introduction to indicate that he was our new Principal.

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The vice-principal, sensing the brewing tension, called for a meeting to encourage staff to show more respect for our new leader. It quickly became clear that working under him would be a challenge, rumors of his pride were not unfounded. For the next eight months, I diligently navigated my responsibilities, often biting my tongue to avoid confrontations.

Throughout this period, he frequently boasted of his achievements from his previous school, his brilliance, his acclaim. His constant comparisons wore on my patience, and the unease among the staff grew palpable. The atmosphere of the school became increasingly strained, and I often found myself questioning whether his confident talk would translate into success.

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Inevitably, the time came when he was reassigned to another school just before the Senior School Certificate Examination. In the wake of the exam results, he first called a teacher from his new school to check on our performance. “We had a 70% pass rate,” she informed him. Unsurprisingly, he attributed this achievement solely to his absence, claiming that our teachers hadn’t adequately prepared the students without his guidance.

Meanwhile, the tables turned for him, his new school’s results were withheld due to irregularities in their examination procedures, and they ultimately faced a dismal 0% performance. The irony was rich. As the fallout from the exam debacle unfolded, his air of entitlement began to falter.

Not one to learn from these setbacks, he continued to alienate those around him, applying pressure and stepping on toes in all directions. His self-importance had blinded him to the realities of teamwork and mutual respect, leaving him isolated at the very moment when he needed allies.

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As more scandals came to light regarding his conduct, I watched as many colleagues distanced themselves from him, unwilling to lend support to someone who had already disrespected so many. His once unshakeable pride had led him to a series of public failures, and now, seeking help from those he had belittled, he found himself ignored and ridiculed in return.

The age-old saying, "Pride goes before a fall," had proven prophetic. In his case, pride did not just precede his downfall, it orchestrated it.

In reflecting on my experience under his leadership, I understand that humility and respect are the bedrock of effective leadership. Pride, while sometimes seen as a strength, can ultimately render one blind to the values that truly foster a thriving community. The story of my former Principal serves as a poignant reminder that true leadership is rooted in understanding and collaboration, not ego and domination. It’s a lesson learned not just by him, but by all who witnessed his rise and fall.

I miss him though, and i still feel sorry for him.