I WAS 47, BUT MY MANAGER WAS 32. I CALLED HIM SIR! Never let your age, qualifications or experience stop you from respecting others. And don’t turn your workplace into a battlefield. Positions are temporary. Years ago, while working in banking, I reported to several managers. One was my university classmate. We graduated together, but he studied Computer Science while I studied Graphic Design. Years later, we joined the same organisation. He became a manager, while I was a banking officer. Whenever he called me, I simply responded, “Yes, sir!” I never felt threatened by his position. We may have graduated together, but we were not meant to fulfil the same assignment in life. His journey was his, and mine was mine. I knew my current job was only one chapter of my life. I didn’t need to compete with him or measure my progress against his promotion. At 47, I also had a manager who was 32. I respected him and gave him my full cooperation. His position did not diminish my potential, just as my age did not diminish his authority. Here is the lesson: Never turn someone else’s promotion into evidence of your failure. Your colleague may become your manager. Someone younger than you may be placed in authority over you. Respect them. Their elevation is not your humiliation, and their success is not your defeat. Remember, the office, title and reporting structure are temporary. Don’t destroy lasting relationships because of temporary positions. If you are in authority, treat people with dignity. Leadership is not a licence to humiliate others. You don’t have to be ahead of everyone to fulfil your purpose. Run your race, respect those ahead of you, encourage those behind you and stay committed to your assignment. The office is temporary. Your purpose is bigger than your position. ❤️🙏🏿 Picture of me as the creative head and 2009 picture of Oga Martin Anyanwu's birthday, he was the Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications. A very humble boss.