Nia experiences a metamorphosis shortly after being elevated to the position of general manager at a major fashion retailer. Once acclaimed for her ambition, the young woman turns into a strict, authoritarian, and productivity-obsessed individual.
Less than a week into her new position, she organizes a staff meeting to introduce a series of stringent new guidelines she refers to as “essential reforms”: perfect customer service, impeccable attire, and complete timeliness. Bonuses will be forfeited for any failure. Tension rises in the air. Taken by surprise, the staff members comply without objecting.
They are aware of Nia’s tale, after all, since she rose from intern to the top.
However, admiration gradually gives way to fear. Nia enforces additional regulations, such as no sitting, shortened breaks, and the elimination of weekends. The slightest error is penalized, and the pace becomes intolerable. Nevertheless, she thinks she’s acting in the store’s best interests.
The tipping point occurs when Nia discovers a tired saleswoman named Maya dozing off at the counter. She immediately fires her without hesitation. At that point, a 68-year-old janitor named Victor timidly intervenes on Maya’s behalf. Although he speaks in a calm tone and with consideration, Nia’s ire is simply heightened by this.
“You take incessant breaks and arrive late every morning. What do you know? You’re also fired! I’d rather not hear any more justifications. The narrative is over.
As startled coworkers watch, Victor departs in icy silence and without resistance.
The following day, an unforeseen circumstance reverses the situation. The chain’s owner, Mr. Gordon, pays an unexpected visit. He talks to the employees and then calls Nia in because he is worried about the abrupt decline in sales.
He’s still not convinced by her evasive justifications and team-blaming. However, he is unable to remain silent after learning that Victor was sacked.
“You let Victor go? Are you familiar with him? Victor shares ownership of this business. I wouldn’t even be here today without him.
Mr. Gordon describes how Victor, who was already employed as a janitor at the time, saved him from an accident when he was a boy. Victor received a part in the company from his father, the founder, as a token of appreciation. Victor agreed, but only if he continued to work in humility and without favors.
Nia is stunned and knows she has overreached herself. Victor will make the final decision, but Mr. Gordon allows her a month to change her ways. She pays him a visit at his house that night, overcome with fear and shame.
After giving her a hearty greeting, Victor feeds her apple pie. Instead of degrading her, he upholds the company’s core values, which include treating employees like family, valuing people, and believing in their potential. Nia is moved and realizes her mistake at last.
She goes back to the store, publicly reinstates Victor, rehires Maya, and makes a commitment to altering her management approach.
Sales increase, staff trust is restored, and the atmosphere gradually gets better. Nia gains reputation as a leader as a result of this lesson, and a few years later, she is named the chain’s CEO.
What about Victor? He chooses to stay committed to his job as a janitor because he loves it and is humbled by it.
