A hardworking woman turns into an aggressive and impatient boss after her most recent promotion at a store. She gets away with it until she insults and fires an old janitor.
Nia had recently been promoted to general manager of a major fashion retail outlet. Just a week into her new role, she was already implementing major changes, guided by a binder of ideas she had accumulated over the years.
One morning, Nia addressed her staff.
“Alright, guys. Is everyone clear on the new protocols we’re going to follow?” she asked.
The team responded with nods and gentle affirmations.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
“I don’t want anyone deviating from my guidelines, so here’s what we are going to do,” she continued. “Anybody who fails to follow the new rules — whether it is about uniform, customer greetings, display arrangements, punctuality — will lose their incentive for that month,” Nia declared, her face beaming with pride.
The staff exchanged worried glances. Nia’s drastic measures made them fear for their livelihoods, as even minor mistakes could cost them dearly.
But despite her recent changes, the team respected Nia. They knew her journey from an intern to the top position and admired her dedication to the fashion industry.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
However, with time, Nia’s approach became increasingly problematic. She set unrealistic goals and responded harshly to small errors. Her decisions, like extending shifts and imposing strict rules, were met with silent frustration from the staff. Their only respite, weekends, was now occupied with work. But that wasn’t all.
Nia’s strategies, like reducing loading costs by involving sales staff and limiting employee breaks, pushed the team to their limits. She even banned sitting during shifts and restricted sick leaves, all in the name of creating a good impression for customers.
“We’ll have to show them we are never tired of serving them. And always serve them with a smile. Am I clear?” Nia instructed sternly. She was overly pleased with the way she was conducting things.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Raised by a single mother, Nia had faced numerous rejections before landing an internship at the fashion outlet. Her dedication to her job and hard work quickly led to her promotion.
From her office, she looked out at the street where she once sought opportunities, determined never to return to those hard days. Under her leadership, the store buzzed with activity, though the staff struggled with the overwhelming workload and strict deadlines she set. Nia was happy until… the work really started taking its toll on the employees.
Over time, her strict management led to a drastic drop in sales, contradicting her ambitious plans. Furious, she confronted her exhausted staff. “Our ratings are dipping. We’ll be ruined at this rate,” she yelled. “Extend your shifts, cut down on breaks… do whatever it takes! We have to boost sales!”
Nia couldn’t understand the sudden decline and increased the workload even more. One day, after a tense client meeting, she found Maya, a saleswoman, asleep on the counter.
“How dare you sleep during work??” Nia yelled.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Maya, startled and panicked, apologized, but Nia was unforgiving. “Meet me in my office,” she demanded. Gathering the staff, Nia, already upset about the sales, decided to demonstrate her authority.
She fired Maya on the spot, tossing her paycheck at her. The team was shocked but remained silent. They knew Maya was exhausted from overworking, but who would dare to go against Nia? They wanted to keep their jobs.
But as Maya was leaving, Victor, a 68-year-old janitor, spoke up. “Nia, child, I’ve got something to say,” he said calmly, despite Nia’s obvious irritation.
“We’re all happy to help with your vision, Nia,” Victor began, trying to reason with her. “But maybe we could let go of the small mistakes…”
Nia, angered by his audacity to speak up, cut him off. “That’s enough, Victor! Do you think I haven’t noticed your tardiness and long lunch breaks?” she retorted. “And let’s not forget how you arrive late daily!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Nia, there’s a reason why I’ve been coming later than the others…”
Nia couldn’t believe that the older man had interrupted her again. Looking at the other employees stare at her, anticipating her reaction, she decided to put her foot down and set an example once and for all.
“I don’t care about the reason! Let this be an example, folks,” Nia said. “Anyone who makes excuses on my watch will be fired. Hey, you’re fired, old man! Now you can accompany Maya and get lost!”
Maya and Victor left quietly while the rest of the staff watched in dismay, tears in their eyes. Nia’s ruthlessness had reached a new level, leaving everyone in shock.
Though it was the end of Victor’s job at the store, an unexpected turn of events awaited him the next day.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
Mr. Gordon, the owner of the multi-million-dollar store chain,unexpectedly visited his store to address the sudden revenue decline.
“Good morning, everyone! How are things going?” Mr. Gordon asked all the employees.
“It could’ve been much better,” a worker replied, with others nodding.
“What’s up? Aren’t you guys excited for the Christmas holidays?” Mr. Gordon inquired.
“Some of us wanted an extended Christmas break, but Miss Ferguson only allowed two days off,” another employee explained.
Mr. Gordon partially understood what was happening and called Nia to his office.
“Miss Ferguson, our revenue has dropped drastically. What happened? Do you need help?” he asked while they sat across from each other.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Nia blamed the staff, claiming they were lazy and needed close monitoring.
“I see…We had the same ‘lazy’ staff with us the last month, didn’t we? But everything was much better. We didn’t hire anyone recently, so I don’t understand why they are suddenly acting lazy.”
Mr. Gordon gave Nia a month to improve the situation. As he was leaving, he asked about Victor, the custodian.
“Where’s Victor? I didn’t see him today,” he said.
“He was fired for being late and too old to work,” Nia hesitantly revealed.
Mr. Gordon was shocked. “WHAT? Do you know you fired the co-owner of this store?”
Nia was stunned. “The co-owner? But he’s just a janitor!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
Mr. Gordon shared a story from his childhood. “I still don’t remember what happened that day…but my father told me I ran after an ice cream van and almost got hit by a car. Victor had seen me while emptying the trash and rushed to my rescue. He pushed me away and saved my life, but he ended up in intensive care after being hit by the car.
“My father, the original owner of this store, offered him a share in the business. Do you know what Victor said when my dad wanted to reward him? ‘I just did what any normal human was supposed to do.’ Victor accepted the offer to become a co-owner because my father kept persuading him, but on one condition. That he would work as a janitor.”
He continued, “Victor lost his wife and child during childbirth and considered the staff here his family.”
Mr. Gordon then dropped a bombshell. “You must apologize to Victor. He’s taking over this unit tomorrow. I’ll come again, and it’s up to Victor to decide whether or not I should fire you.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
Panicked and fearing for her job, Nia drove to meet Victor, worried about facing him and the challenges ahead. “How will I boost sales in a month? How will I face Victor? It’s his fault, too. Why did he just walk away without telling me who he was? Now, everything is against me. What will I do?” she fretted.
Nia arrived at Victor’s modest home, surprised by its simplicity despite his co-ownership of a lucrative business. She knocked, and Victor greeted her warmly, inviting her in for apple pie.
“Mr. Gordon told me you’d come. Please, make yourself comfortable,” Victor said, unaffected by her previous actions.
Nia felt awkward in the humble setting. Victor, sensing her unease, began to talk about Mr. Gordon’s father’s business philosophy.
“Unlike others, he valued his staff first. He provided nap rooms, bonuses, corporate events, and weekends off and ensured customers didn’t mistreat them. He treated employees like family,” Victor explained.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
Nia shyly nodded, partially realizing what had gone wrong. “But how does that help with the growth of the business? If employees get such perks, how will they work without distractions? Won’t they take it for granted?” she said.
Victor smiled. “When employees love their work, they provide top-notch service, satisfying customers and growing the business. A smart boss finds ways to make employees devoted. He doesn’t fire them.”
As Victor hungrily devoured his pie, he requested Nia to call Maya back to work. “You may never know how fate works for others, Nia. You joined as an intern, but you became the general manager. You may never know what potential a simple salesgirl like Maya can have. Never underestimate and judge others by their appearance or job!”
Nia grinned, and just as she was about to leave, Victor stopped her. “Don’t worry, Nia. I will not fire you. But we will decide later together with all the employees and Mr. Gordon by a vote, alright?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
Assured she still had a second chance, Nia returned to the store and gathered all the employees in her office. They were afraid about what more rules she was going to impose on them. But none of them had expected to see what was about to happen next.
“Good day, everyone!” Nia began with a smile. Everyone thought it was unusual because she had never greeted them with a smile since day one of her promotion.
“I would like to tell everyone that Victor, the company’s co-owner, will be heading us from tomorrow!”
The employees were shocked at the revelation. Some of them didn’t have a clue that the custodian of their store was their boss.
“Don’t be shocked, guys! I am young and new to this trade, and I made mistakes. I hope you’ll all forgive me for what happened in the last few days. Maya and Victor will be back tomorrow, and we will work as a team. Is that clear?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
From the next day onward, Nia followed Victor’s advice and implemented Mr. Gordon’s dad’s principles. She treated her employees respectfully and did not show authority over them. She thought more about them and made sure each and every employee loved their job.
As days passed, Nia’s efforts worked in her favor. The employees started giving their best, and as Nia had wanted, the sales for the next quarter surged with impeccable results.
Mr. Gordon was impressed with Nia’s efforts, and with Victor, he decided not to fire her. Five years later, Nia was promoted to the position of CEO of all the outlets.
As for Victor, he chose to keep working as a janitor because he loved his job.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images
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Meu amigo me expulsou do casamento dele – o motivo dele me surpreendeu
Minha esposa e eu ficamos chocados quando fomos expulsos do casamento do meu amigo por pedir pizza depois que o bufê ficou sem comida. Mal sabíamos que nossa ideia bêbada desencadearia um turbilhão de drama que nos deixaria questionando nossas ações e amizades.
Minha esposa e eu estávamos animados com o casamento do meu amigo Tom. Foi um evento pequeno e íntimo com cerca de 70 convidados, a maioria família. A atmosfera era alegre, e todos pareciam genuinamente felizes por estarem lá.
Um grande casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
“Olhe para as decorações”, minha esposa disse, sorrindo. “Eles fizeram um ótimo trabalho, não é?”
“Sim, é lindo”, respondi. “Tom e Linda parecem tão felizes.”
Encontramos nossos lugares em uma mesa com algumas pessoas amigáveis. Nós nos apresentamos e começamos a conversar.
“Olá, sou Mike e esta é minha esposa, Sarah”, eu disse ao casal ao nosso lado.
Mulher rindo em uma mesa de bufê | Fonte: Midjourney
“Prazer em conhecê-la! Eu sou Jane, e este é meu marido, Bob,” a mulher disse com um sorriso caloroso.
A cerimônia foi linda. Tom e Linda trocaram votos, e houve lágrimas de alegria por todo lado. Depois, voltamos para nossos assentos, prontos para celebrar.
O bar aberto foi um sucesso. Todos estavam se misturando, bebidas na mão, e risadas enchiam a sala. Os garçons colocaram duas garrafas de vinho em cada mesa, junto com pão e manteiga.
“Este vinho é fantástico”, Bob disse, servindo-se de outra taça. “Você já provou, Mike?”
Um homem com uma taça de vinho | Fonte: Midjourney
“Ainda não, mas vou”, respondi, pegando meu copo.
Logo, o bufê foi anunciado. O mestre de cerimônias explicou que as mesas seriam chamadas aos poucos, começando pela família.
“Isso faz sentido”, disse Sarah. “Família em primeiro lugar.”
Observamos as primeiras mesas serem chamadas. O bufê parecia incrível, com uma variedade de pratos. No entanto, notei algo preocupante.
Várias sobremesas em uma mesa de buffet | Fonte: Pexels
“Esses pratos estão empilhados”, sussurrei para Sarah. “Espero que haja o suficiente para todos.”
“Sim, eu também”, ela respondeu, franzindo a testa.
O tempo passou, e mais mesas foram chamadas. Os familiares voltaram para pedir mais, seus pratos ainda mais cheios do que antes. Meu estômago roncou enquanto esperávamos.
“Finalmente!”, eu disse quando nossa mesa foi chamada.
Salada de legumes em uma mesa de bufê | Fonte: Pexels
Mas quando chegamos ao bufê, ele estava quase vazio. Conseguimos juntar algumas sobras e voltamos para nossos assentos, nos sentindo decepcionados.
“É só isso que sobrou?” Jane perguntou, olhando para seu prato quase vazio.
“Temo que sim”, eu disse. “Não acredito que eles ficaram sem comida.”
Todos na nossa mesa estavam visivelmente chateados. O clima havia mudado de alegria para frustração.
“Isso é ridículo!” Bob disse. “Ainda estou com fome.”
Um prato com raspas | Fonte: Pexels
“Eu também”, Sarah acrescentou. “O que devemos fazer agora?”
Ficamos ali sentados, pegando nossas escassas porções. As conversas ao redor de nós ficaram abafadas e tensas.
“Alguém deveria ter planejado melhor,” Jane murmurou. “Isto é um casamento, pelo amor de Deus.”
Tom, o noivo, aproximou-se com uma expressão preocupada no rosto.
“Ei, Mike, está tudo bem?” ele perguntou.
O noivo vindo falar com os convidados | Fonte: Midjourney
“Na verdade não, Tom”, respondi. “Não sobrou comida. Ainda estamos todos com fome.”
O rosto de Tom caiu. “Sinto muito. Pensei que haveria o suficiente para todos.”
“Não é culpa sua,” Sarah disse gentilmente. “Nós vamos descobrir algo.”
Depois que Tom foi embora, continuamos conversando, tentando tirar o melhor proveito da situação.
“Não seria engraçado se simplesmente pedíssemos pizza?”, Bob brincou, tentando descontrair.
“Não é uma má ideia”, eu disse, meio sério. “Estou morrendo de fome.”
Amigos brincando em um casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
“Vamos lá”, Jane disse, seus olhos brilhando. “Nós todos podemos ajudar.”
Todos concordaram, e rapidamente juntamos nosso dinheiro. Liguei para uma pizzaria próxima e pedi quatro pizzas grandes e algumas asas.
“Trinta minutos”, disse o entregador. “Já estamos aí.”
“Perfeito”, respondi, sentindo um pouco de alívio.
Esperamos, nossa expectativa crescendo. O clima na nossa mesa começou a melhorar enquanto imaginávamos a pizza chegando.
Homens rindo na mesa | Fonte: Midjourney
“Não acredito que estamos fazendo isso!” Sarah riu. “Isso vai ser uma história para contar!”
Finalmente, as pizzas chegaram. Encontrei o entregador do lado de fora e carreguei as caixas para dentro, sentindo os olhares dos outros clientes em mim.
“Você realmente pediu pizza?”, um deles perguntou, surpreso.
“É,” eu disse, sorrindo. “Sirvam-se se não comeram o suficiente.”
Uma pizza fatiada | Fonte: Pexels
Quando começamos a comer, a atmosfera na nossa mesa se transformou. Dividimos as pizzas com mesas próximas que também tinham perdido o bufê, e todos ficaram gratos.
“Essa é a melhor ideia de todas!” Bob disse, mordendo uma fatia. “Obrigado, Mike!”
“Sem problemas”, respondi, sentindo uma sensação de camaradagem. No entanto, não notei as outras mesas nos olhando com clara desaprovação.
Tentei aproveitar minha pizza, mas não conseguia me livrar da sensação de que algo ruim estava por vir. Nesse momento, um homem alto de terno, que reconheci como o pai de Linda, se aproximou da nossa mesa.
Dois pratos de pizza | Fonte: Pexels
“Com licença”, ele disse, sua voz severa. “Onde você conseguiu essa pizza?”
Olhei para ele e suspirei. “Nós pedimos. Não havia comida suficiente no bufê, e ainda estávamos todos com fome.”
Ele olhou para as caixas de pizza quase vazias, seus olhos se estreitando. “Você não comeu o suficiente?”
“Não,” respondi, tentando manter a calma. “Quando chegamos ao bufê, não havia quase nada sobrando.”
O pai de Linda franziu a testa. “Restam duas fatias. Posso comer uma?”
Um homem sentado com seu prato de pizza | Fonte: Midjourney
Olhei para ele, sentindo uma mistura de frustração e descrença. “Honestamente, senhor, não. Sua família comeu a maior parte da comida do bufê. Tivemos que pedir isso só para colocar alguma coisa no estômago.”
Seu rosto ficou vermelho. “Você está se recusando a compartilhar?”
“Sim,” eu disse firmemente. “Nós mal conseguimos comer alguma coisa, e ainda estamos com fome.”
Um homem de meia idade irritado | Fonte: Midjourney
Ele ficou ali por um momento, claramente bravo. Então ele se virou e voltou para sua mesa, resmungando baixinho. A tensão na sala era palpável. Eu podia ver a noiva, Linda, olhando para nós do outro lado da sala. A família na mesa deles estava sussurrando e atirando punhais em nossa direção.
“Isso não é bom,” Jane disse calmamente. “Acho que estamos em apuros.”
Tom voltou, parecendo aflito. “Mike, sinto muito, mas você e Sarah precisam ir embora.”
Um noivo chateado se aproximando de seu amigo | Fonte: Midjourney
“O quê? Por quê?”, perguntei, sentindo uma onda de raiva.
“Linda está realmente chateada”, explicou Tom. “O pai dela está furioso. Eles acham que você os desrespeitou ao pedir pizza e não dividir.”
Balancei a cabeça em descrença. “Tom, nós estávamos morrendo de fome. Não queríamos desrespeitar ninguém.”
“Eu sei,” ele disse, parecendo genuinamente arrependido. “Mas está causando muita tensão. Por favor, vá embora. Conversamos depois.”
Sentindo-me frustrado e magoado, concordei. “Tudo bem, vamos embora.”
Um casal saindo do casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
Sarah e eu juntamos nossas coisas e saímos da recepção. Chamamos um táxi e fomos para casa, a noite terminando com uma nota amarga.
Poucos dias depois, Tom me ligou. “Mike, podemos conversar?”
“Claro,” eu disse, ainda me sentindo um pouco irritado. “O que foi?”
“Quero me desculpar”, Tom começou. “Tive uma longa conversa com Linda e sua família. Eles perceberam agora que não havia comida suficiente para todos. Linda está furiosa com sua família por levar tanto e deixar os outros hóspedes sem nada.”
Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney
“Eu aprecio isso, Tom,” eu disse, me sentindo um pouco aliviado. “Foi uma situação difícil para todos.”
“Sim, foi”, Tom concordou. “O pai de Linda se sente péssimo pelo que aconteceu. Ele quer compensar todo mundo.”
“Sério? Como?”, perguntei, curioso.
“Ele está planejando uma ‘festa pós-casamento’”, explicou Tom. “Ele vai convidar todos que estavam no casamento, além de mais alguns. Haverá bastante comida e entretenimento. Ele quer ter certeza de que ninguém passará fome dessa vez.”
Um homem feliz em seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney
“Parece ótimo”, eu disse, genuinamente satisfeito. “Quando é?”
“Meados de agosto”, Tom respondeu. “Ele está puxando favores e indo com tudo. Haverá comida, bebidas, música e até mesmo algumas atividades divertidas como arremesso de machado e uma fogueira.”
“Uau, isso parece incrível”, eu disse, sorrindo. “Estou ansioso por isso.”
“Eu também”, disse Tom. “Espero que isso ajude a suavizar as coisas.”
Um homem com seu telefone no sofá | Fonte: Midjourney
“Acho que sim”, concordei.
Ao desligar o telefone, senti uma sensação de alívio. A situação tinha sido estranha e tensa, mas parecia que as coisas estavam se movendo em uma direção positiva.
Refletindo sobre toda a provação, percebi o quão inesperado e estranho tudo tinha sido. Uma simples falta de comida tinha causado tanto drama, mas no final, trouxe uma solução que prometia ser ainda mais divertida do que o evento original.
Gostou desta história? Quer mais? Tente ler esta: Quando a madrasta de Alexandra chegou ao seu casamento com um vestido branco, insistindo que merecia atenção, Alexandra se preparou para o caos. Mas seu marido tinha um plano para virar o jogo de uma forma que ninguém esperava…
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