I remember my interview with my former boss, SM, before he hired me.

I was a Sales Representative in the company when a vacant position in the HR department was advertised. I applied and was shortlisted for an interview.

After the interview, SM requested for time to make a decision because there were other candidates to be interviewed. A few days later, I was called for another interview. SM said to me,

“I requested for your attendance and sales performance records. Your attendance is good but your sales haven’t been the best. You made only three sales last month . Do you have any explanation for this?”

I responded and shared my personal challenges with him. I needed after-school care for my kids and I was trying to figure it out. My Team Lead had adjusted my work hours for three weeks to accommodate me while I sort my kids out. I was already on the second week and there wasn’t any solution yet. I also told SM that sales is a struggle for me. A career in sales has never been my preferred choice. I only took up the job because I needed one at that time. We ended the conversation and he said he would take a decision and let me know.

The next day, I was called into the HR office to recieve my offer of employment for that role. I got the job!

I worked in that company for 5 years; a far cry from my initial plan to be there for 6 months because, like I mentioned earlier, I had accepted the sales role just to get my foot in the door, especially as a new immigrant in Canada. I never liked sales. I still don’t like it now!

SM knew, from my interview, that I had never worked in a position like that and though I had the required education in Human Resources, I didnt have the experience to back it up; yet he took a chance on me.

When I had my first meeting with him after I was hired, he said these words to me and I will never forget,

“Nazo, I want you to carry out your responsibilities in this role as though it was your private business. Run it like it is yours. That’s the only way you will deliver results.”

These words became my guide. I reminded myself as often as I could, that this job was my own business. I showed up everyday with a desire to get results. I made the necessary calls, I built the required relationships, I connected with whoever I needed to connect with. I was open to learn.

All these happened because someone took a chance on me.

I finally left the company last year and it was an emotional moment for me, leaving a place that gave me an opportunity that has become a stepping stone for me. I had worked with an amazing team. My co-workers cared, not just in words but in their actions.

Taking a chance on people is a risk; a big one  but it is also a risk that has a high-paying potential, not just for the person involved but also for you as the one giving the opportunity to another to prove himself.

As a firm believer in God, I think about Him and how He willingly takes a chance on us everyday. He sees our humanness and our frailties, yet He comfortably gives us responsibilities. He gives us the chance to be wives, husbands, parents and guardians. He trusts us with time, money and other resources. Sometimes, we misuse and abuse the opportunities but then, He opens another door and allows us to try again.

There are so many men and women today who are excelling at the top because someone chose to give them an opportunity. There are also those who are struggling now because no one wants to take a chance on them.

Take the risk. Give someone a chance; maybe two. Look beyond their current status and situation. Hear them out. Give them room to prove their worth.

I know they days are evil and trust has become luxury but there are still a few good heads who are desparately waiting for someone to open the door of a life-changing opportunity to them.

There might be one on your list now. Are you willing to take a chance? You might be changing someone’s life forever.