The difference between a leader and a boss (#251).
In the lush green hills of Kailahun District, two neighbouring villages, Bumpeh and Senehun, prepared for the rice harvest.
It had been a hard season—too much rain, then not enough.
Still, the rice had grown, and now it was time to gather it before the storms returned.
In Bumpeh, the harvest was led by Chief Kallon, a proud and stern man. He believed respect came through fear.
He stood under the big cotton tree, shouting orders and demanding speed. “You there! Move faster!
Anyone who lags will lose their share!” The villagers worked, but their hearts were heavy.
They were tired, hungry, and unmotivated.
People whispered about leaving the village for Freetown or Bo where the work might be fairer.
In Senehun, the harvest was guided by Mama Yeama, an elder woman known for her wisdom and warmth.
She called the village together at sunrise, offering kola nuts and a blessing.
“We harvest together, we eat together,” she said.
She worked alongside the others, her feet muddy like everyone else’s.
When someone struggled, she helped them.
When someone succeeded, she praised them.
In the evening, Bumpeh’s harvest sat in large piles—but many grains were wasted due to poor handling.
Arguments broke out, and People were too exhausted to care.
Meanwhile, Senehun’s harvest was smaller but better preserved.
More importantly, the people sang as they worked.
They shared cassava and palm wine under the mango trees, their hearts were full.
A visitor from the Ministry of Agriculture came to study both villages.
He asked the people of Bumpeh, “Why do you work so hard yet look so sad?”
One young man replied, “Because we fear Chief Kallon more than hunger.”
In Senehun, he asked, “Why do you smile even in hardship?”
A woman answered, “Because Mama Yeama walks with us, not above us.”
Lesson: In Sierra Leone, as in life, a boss stands behind and drives others with fear.
A leader walks beside them, lifting them with love and purpose.
One builds obedience; the other, a family.
Thank you for reading.
Happy Sabbath day.