When Kevin and Brian joined Karibu Solutions, they were both fresh graduates brimming with potential; or so it seemed. But their first six months at work proved that not all employees are created equal.
Kevin: The Boss’s Secret Weapon
Kevin grew up in a small town in Kisumu, where his parents instilled in him the value of hard work. On his first day, he showed up 30 minutes early, with a polished CV in one hand and a neatly packed lunch in the other. Kevin took every task seriously, even when it was just organizing the stationery cabinet.
When a high-profile client demanded a project that seemed impossible, Kevin stayed in the office till late, fueled by chai and determination. “I had no choice. This was my chance to prove myself,” he recalls. His spreadsheets were flawless, his report crisp, and his initiative impressed the client so much that Karibu Solutions won a year-long contract. Kevin didn’t just get a raise, he became the go to guy.
Brian: The (Unintentional) Office Clown
Brian, on the other hand, grew up in Nairobi and prided himself on his “out-of-the-box” thinking. On his first day, he arrived 35 minutes late wearing mismatched socks. “You know, traffic in Nairobi is no joke!” he declared.
Brian’s favorite line was, “I’m more of a big picture guy.” Unfortunately, that “big picture” didn’t include actual work. During the same high pressure client project, Brian breezed into the office two hours late and announced, “Relax, guys! Stress kills creativity!” His grand idea? Suggesting that the final report be printed on scented paper “to make an impression.” Everyone laughed, but Kevin quietly took over to ensure the work got done.
Brian is still at Karibu Solutions; barely. He’s known for organizing Friday night outs and for disappearing conveniently during team deadlines.
The Lesson
Kevin got promoted to project lead. Brian? Well, the team jokes that he’s the “Director of Vibes.” While every office needs a Brian to make the workplace a little more fun, only the Kevins get promoted.
Daraja la Amani 