Two days ago one of the team members in my office received some bad news from his mother. She told him over the phone that his junior sister passed away in hospital after some complications. He was devastated. He left the office soon after to meet his family members and to start making burial arrangements.
My supervisor was out of the office at the time so when she came back she asked after the bereaved team member. I stupidly went close to her and said in a gentle voice that he received news that his sister was dead – that was when my supervisor sent my head swinging 45 degrees left with an unexpected hot slap. The following conversation ensued:
Me: “Why did you slap me?”
Boss: “Tell me it’s a lie”
Me: “It’s true…but you slapped me”
Boss: “Sorry, I don’t know…er…I wasn’t expecting that kind of news”
In my head: The next time I’m passing on shocking news to my boss I’ll do so from about 50 feet away or better yet I’ll send a text.
Anyway, the swelling has gone down now.
Take THAT, messenger!
~In loving memory of Chioma O. ~
R.I.P