THE POWER OF A PUSH

 

I was thinking this morning… Two seemingly unrelated moments at work this past week converged into one powerful reminder about progress, leadership, and the hidden hands that propel us forward.

The first was a close-out presentation by a graduate trainee who had spent a year in my department. Her delivery was strong, confident, and well-received. But my mind went back to her early days when she was slow, hesitant and unsure of how to take on big assignments.

At the time, I encouraged her to schedule weekly one-on-one sessions with key team leads, including myself. She showed up consistently. She listened, learned, practiced, and grew. Month after month, I watched her transform into someone who now stands tall in her competence.

As she took a bow after her presentation, an old English proverb crossed my mind: “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” But the Warri pidgin English version said it better: “A rolling stone — na person push am.”

The second moment came later that same day, during an appreciation hangout I organised for my team. The event was held at a facility we had recently leased to what we assumed was a small businesswoman. Within a few short weeks, she had completely transformed the place.

I wondered how she pulled it off so quickly. Then I learned she had the backing of a major financier. Again, the same proverb echoed — “A rolling stone — na person push am.” Progress often has an unseen catalyst.

The real insight to me was that while some people have the internal drive to roll forward on their own, many simply need a push — a spark, an advocate, a believer. And that push can change everything.

Throughout my career, I’ve been moved forward by unexpected people who chose to invest in me. Their support made all the difference. As leaders, we must never forget the power of that nudge. Every so often, choose someone to push — to mentor, to encourage, to sponsor. Because sometimes the distance between potential and performance… is just one push.

Ephesians 4:29, says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs".

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday!

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey