The Native Iowan

I have written before about the person I considered the best employee I ever knew, her name was Lani, she passed away yesterday.

I dont know how old Lani was, but when she came to work for us in 2000 I think she was late teens/ early 20s. She had a young daughter, was a single mother, came to work as a house-keeper for us in Gizo.

Over the past couple decades (and more) Lani made my family’s life a better place. She has helped raise no less than dozen of the Hemmer progeny. She is the most dedicated , willing, able, aware employee I have ever known.

I have spoke about Lani previously in relation to discussing why folks are motivated to work, and what motivates folks to be good workers. In Lani’s case, as a young mother, she loved her job because she loved her family, and her job very simply allowed her to provide for her family, including the payment of school fees.

I learned a long time ago that a faithful, happy, willing and able employee was a good thing. I learned long ago that a dedicated, long serving employee was what I wanted. And to entice and retain good employees I have traditionally offered the payment of education expenses as part of the employment package.

Lani had more kids, I think she eventually had 2 daughters and 2 sons. Lani was faithful and wiling and able for many years, ensuring her kids had a home and got a decent education. Just last year, Lani’s daughter graduated from University in PNG. Lani got to get a passport so she could travel to attend the graduation ceremony. She enjoyed her first only international trip, shared the Graduation with her daughter, came home and got to tell everyone about her amazing adventure. To me this single little story of success explained well Lani’s commitment and willingness.

Lani died, I am told, suffering an asthma attack.

Sad sorta statement on the Solomon Islands. People should not die during an asthma attack, but they do.

So here is to Ms Lani, Zai Lani…

Impossible to replace.

Shall be missed…

more later