Beyond the Clichè: No Gree For Anybody

"No one gives you what you deserve, but what you demand"

Last week, my wife shared a story she read online about someone who gave a contract link to a friend, and the contract yielded 450,000 Naira profit. The writer posited that though he could have done the job himself, he wanted to put a smile on his friend's face. From the story, maybe that said friend was passing through financial distress and needed the money more.

After the execution of the project, the friend sent ₦10,000 to "appreciate" the friend who brokered the contract deal for him. The writer said although he had no sense of entitlement, he was embarrassed to have gotten ₦10,000. Apparently, he meant it was too little to show appreciation for a 450,000 profit.

A radio station in Benin City during a call-in programme also shared the same story last night and I listened with rapt attention to the opinions of the callers.

And here is my opinion.

For the sake of space, I won't bore you with a personal story, but I have learnt the hard way that people won't give you what you think you deserve but what you demand.

It was President Aigbokhan Prest  Esq. who once drew my attention to it. The barrister was always blunt about his demands and he is unapologetic about it. I on the other hand, always left mine to the goodwill of others, hoping that they would understand the value I have offered and reward me accordingly. But do you know what I got in return? premium disappointments!

If the writer had simply told his friend that he needed a 10% share of the profit, from the beginning, they would have had a more open transaction and everyone would be clear about it. The quarrel the writer felt he was trying to avoid by not discussing his "appreciation package" for the connection he brought, was what eventually had to face headlong with his post.

He might have convinced himself that it didn't bother him, but deep down in his heart, I believe  he is hurt, hence the narration of the event to the public.

You see that popular slogan trending in Nigeria, is actually the best way to succeed in life. Make your stand and stance known to all and be plain about it. If you want to be paid for your time, don't assume your friend would know that you have invested your time and need a reward.

Save yourself premium disappointments and 'stories that touch' by discussing your position. If you want to do it for free, let them know it is for free.

If you want to get paid, don't say 'give me anything' and then start complaining that the payment was meagre.

It is better to disagree to agree from the beginning than to mop when the deed has been done.

Demand the right value for your effort and don't give room for users to use you! If you need to get a signed agreement and an invoice, please do!

I hope it is not too late to wish you a Happy New Year!

No gree for the devil this year oooh, take advantage of the Grace and Mercy of God!