₦airaland Forum

I recently had an experience at work that left me confused and frustrated about workplace culture in Nigeria.

I work night shifts, and our team takes turns opening the office in the morning. One day, I worked my night shift and stayed until 2:00 AM. I went to sleep afterward and ended up opening the office about 10 minutes late. I was issued a query for the lateness.

In my response to the query, I told the truth: I had worked late into the night and needed some sleep before coming back to open the office. Instead of understanding, I was invited to a management meeting where I was scolded for “not even knowing how to lie.” I received a second query for this, and I was almost suspended.

This whole situation makes me wonder: Why do many Nigerians seem to dislike the truth, especially in the workplace?
- Is honesty punished while clever lying is quietly rewarded?
- Is this how most workplaces operate in Nigeria?

Rubyjade:
I recently had an experience at work that left me confused and frustrated about workplace culture in Nigeria.

I work night shifts, and our team takes turns opening the office in the morning. One day, I worked my night shift and stayed until 2:00 AM. I went to sleep afterward and ended up opening the office about 10 minutes late. I was issued a query for the lateness.

In my response to the query, I told the truth: I had worked late into the night and needed some sleep before coming back to open the office. Instead of understanding, I was invited to a management meeting where I was scolded for “not even knowing how to lie.” I received a second query for this, and I was almost suspended.

This whole situation makes me wonder: Why do many Nigerians seem to dislike the truth, especially in the workplace?
- Is honesty punished while clever lying is quietly rewarded?
- Is this how most workplaces operate in Nigeria?

There is a thin line between honesty and outright folly. Learn to know where one begins and the other stops. It is a mark of wisdom to know how to properly guard your speech. Understand that you can avoid telling the truth without actually lying. It is not always wise to say the truth always.

PS: Learn from your mistakes and move on.