This is my tribute to Madam May.
Last week was the traditional Lao New Year, reminding me of the things I miss from Laos, such as the best mangos in the world.
It also made me think about inspiring human beings I have met. About how you might come across role models where you least expect it.
When asked about their role models many mention the obvious and famous ones, from Malala Yousafzai to Nelson Mandela. If you take a closer look, you might be able to find outstanding role models among those often ignored. I did.
Madame May was the cleaner in our office. This is not her full name, but that is what we called her. She would probably have been embarrassed if she knew what I am writing about her. Hence, I will not reveal her true name.
Here is why she became my role model.
She had one of the strongest work ethics I have ever encountered. She delivered high-quality work; and was extremely disciplined, even after decades in the office, on a modest salary. The office was spotless, and the cleanest in the whole of Vientiane. And never, during my time there, did she lower her standards. She stayed behind till late at night to clean up when we had a party in the office. She came on weekends to wipe the entrance after a storm.
I used to say that if her compatriots had had the same work ethic as her, the country would have gotten out of poverty a long time ago.
Madame May had little education, and only spoke a few words of English, but she was not hard to understand. Kindness was her weapon, though she was not in any way aware of it. Her sincere dedication to serve others shone through in her body language. Hence, verbal communication was not all that important.
She always treated others kindly and with respect, be it international staff coming and going, or any of the long-lasting local staff. Despite not always receiving the respect she deserved. There were more than one of our guests who would not have passed “the waiter test.”
Being anything but honest was not within her horizon, and she was never part of the usual gossip and bickering you find in any workplace. Buddhism was her compass. Every morning she was up at dawn to give food to the monks processioning through the streets.
We tried to tell her to go home after a long day’s work and said we could do the dishes, but she was hard to convince. Even worse, it was almost impossible to persuade her to seek much needed medical care. Costs that her insurance would have covered. We tried both begging and intimidation, but she was adamant. I do not know her real reason. Whether it was related to her faith, fear of surgery or something else. However, I also saw it as proof of her strong integrity. Despite her kindness, she was very much aware of her boundaries.
So, do not forget to look for role models in unexpected places. A prerequisite is, of course, that you actually look.
