Integrity Over Efficiency

A few weeks ago, I brought on a new assistant. With so much on my plate, I needed to offload tasks so I could concentrate on what truly mattered.

From day one, she hit the ground running. Tasks that had been lingering were finally checked off— If you're in Nigeria, you know some of the kind of tasks I’m talking about—like sorting out your mysteriously suspended NIN or getting a new SIM because yours refuses to work when you are in Ikoyi or approaching Lekki Toll gate. But let’s not digress. 😅

Then came a small but nagging detail—her reference letter hadn’t been sent. My instincts nudged me. If you’ve worked with me before, you know I don’t just let things slide. I pay attention.

So, I followed up. At first, she dodged the question. Then, with reluctance, she admitted that her former employer wouldn’t provide the letter. 𝘞𝘩𝘺? I asked. She hesitated. Eventually, the truth came out. My heart sank.

I’ve always believed in redemption. We all make mistakes. The question is—when do you offer grace, and when do you walk away?

I picked up the phone, made one call, and the full picture unfolded—fraud, police involvement, a history I hadn’t been told. Still, I wanted to give her a chance to explain, to own up completely. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way forward.

But when she sat in front of me, the honesty I was looking for wasn’t there. She told part of the story but left out the rest. And in that moment, I knew—we had reached the end.

Hard work, efficiency, and skill are valuable, but integrity is non-negotiable.

I told her something I deeply believe: You can be the most efficient worker in an organization, but integrity and loyalty are what truly open doors for you.

And as I reflected on the decision, I knew we had done the right thing.

So I ask—where do you draw the line between second chances and protecting your values?