My First Week on the Job Came With a Warning

I remember stepping into a new role, trying to find my footing.

Then came the warnings.

“You’re reporting to him? Good luck.”

“He’s a slave driver.”

“No people skills.”

“Everyone detests him.”

Colleagues didn’t hold back.

They told stories about those who had held the role before me… and how it ended for them. Naturally, my anxiety spiked.

But I held onto one belief that has shaped my leadership journey:

People may be different, but they are often predictable.

Instead of resisting him, I studied him.

I paid attention to how he worked, what he valued, and how he communicated.

Then I adjusted my approach without losing who I was.

Soon, something interesting happened.

We discovered common ground, authors we both enjoyed, podcasts we listened to, ideas we respected. The relationship shifted.

While others feared working under him, I thrived.

Not because he changed overnight, but because I led with self-awareness.

Then another twist in the story…

He was eventually promoted to a role he had pursued for years.

Previously, he had been denied repeatedly because of one issue: his lack of people skills led to high turnover among talented team members.

This time was different. I spoke about him differently. I highlighted his strengths.

I made him look good in rooms he wasn’t in. And in return?

He opened doors for me and shared what he called “the tricks of the game” in our industry.

Here’s the leadership lesson many emerging leaders miss:

Self-awareness isn’t just about understanding yourself.

It’s about understanding others well enough to bring out their best, even when others can’t see it. The leaders who rise fastest aren’t always the smartest in the room.

They’re the ones who know how to work with people, not against them.

And that skill changes everything.

If you're interested in learning how behavioral awareness (like DISC) transforms leadership and relationships at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

BISOLA MOGAJI