It had only been a week since Nia’s big promotion, and she still couldn’t believe it.
She was now the general manager of one of the biggest outlets of a fashion retail giant. Years before she got the promotion, Nia had filled up a binder with ideas on how she would improve the store if she ever got the chance. That morning, the binder sat proudly on her desk as Nia addressed the staff shortly after the shutters went up.
“Alright, guys. Is everyone clear on the new protocols we’re going to follow?” she asked. The staff replied in nods, kind smiles, and a few gentle yeses.
“I don’t want anybody to be lax or deviate from my new guidelines. To ensure that, here’s what we’re going to do. Anybody who fails to follow the new rules — whether it is about uniform, customer greetings, display arrangements, or punctuality — will lose their incentive for that month.”
The staff’s expressions shifted to concern. They were afraid that any small mistake, even unintentional, could cost them the bonuses they relied on.
Even though Nia had changed in the past week, everyone still admired her. They knew how hard she had worked to earn this role. Nia started as an intern and had shown true passion and dedication to the industry. However, her new leadership style was becoming a challenge for the staff.
Since her first day in the new role, she had been implementing strict policies, setting high expectations, and reacting harshly to mistakes. She was becoming impatient and aggressive, expecting perfection from her employees.
“Can I have your attention, please?” Nia called out again. “I just had an important meeting with the clients, and I have some good news — we are planning to increase our sales volume this quarter. So, here’s what we’re going to do… I’ll send a list of names by afternoon, and those mentioned will have to extend their shifts. If anyone has any plans for the weekend, cancel them, because we’ll be working.”
The employees looked upset. They valued their weekend breaks, which were often the only time they had with their families. But they knew how stubborn Nia was, and that trying to reason with her would be difficult.
Day by day, new rules were introduced. The loaders were sent away, and sales staff had to unload goods. Breaks were limited to five minutes, and talking in groups was prohibited. Sick leaves were only allowed for serious conditions. Lunch breaks couldn’t exceed thirty minutes. Nia wanted the staff constantly on their feet, moving, smiling, and showing energy in front of customers.
From her office, Nia looked down at the busy floor and felt proud. She remembered her own difficult journey — growing up with a single mother, struggling to find work, and finally landing an internship in the fashion outlet that changed her life.
Her climb was fast. Within six months, she was promoted to general manager. Sitting in her office chair on the third floor, she could see the street where she had once searched desperately for work. She had no desire to return to those days.
But despite the control she felt she had, things weren’t working. The staff was overworked, exhausted, and morale was low. Sales began to fall. Nia was furious.
“Our ratings are dipping. We will be ruined at this rate,” she yelled at the team. “I don’t care what you have to do — work harder, stay longer, take fewer breaks — we must fix this!”
Her frustration grew. One day, after a stressful meeting, Nia walked into the trading room and saw Maya, one of the saleswomen, dozing off at the counter.
“How dare you sleep during work?” she shouted.
“No, ma’am. I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” Maya tried to explain.
“Meet me in my office,” Nia said sharply. In front of the whole team, she handed Maya her paycheck and fired her on the spot.
Everyone was shocked. Nobody spoke up, fearing for their own jobs.
That’s when Victor, the 68-year-old janitor, raised his hand gently.
“Nia, child, I’ve got something to say.”
Nia wasn’t in the mood. She didn’t want to be challenged — especially not by the janitor.
“Firstly, let me tell you that we’re all very happy to help you with your vision for the store,” Victor said kindly. “But I think this new challenge will make us work in fear. Maybe we could find a way to let go of the small mistakes and…”
Before he could finish, Nia cut him off.
“That’s enough, Victor! How about you fix your own mistakes before handing out advice? You’ve been coming late, taking long breaks — that stops now.”
Victor tried to explain that he had a reason for being late, but Nia interrupted again.
“I don’t care about the reason! And you weren’t given permission to interrupt me. Let this be an example. Anyone who makes excuses will be fired. Just like Victor and Maya here.”
Victor stood in silence, stunned by her reaction. Maya and he quietly left the store.
But the very next day, something unexpected happened. Mr. Gordon, the owner of the entire store chain, made a surprise visit.
He was kind and greeted the employees with warmth. But he noticed something was off.
“Where’s Victor?” he asked. “He always greets me when I visit. Please call him. I’d love to have tea with him.”
Nia looked uncomfortable.
“Mr. Gordon, I had to let Victor go. He was violating company policy, and he’s too old to work.”
Mr. Gordon looked stunned.
“You fired him? Without telling me? Do you know what a mistake that was? Victor is the co-owner of this store.”
Nia was speechless. “The co-owner? But he’s just a janitor…”
Mr. Gordon explained everything. When he was a child, Victor had saved his life from an oncoming car. Victor spent days in intensive care, and Gordon’s father rewarded him by making him a partner in the business. Victor had no family, donated his income to shelters, and asked only to remain as a janitor.
Now, hearing that Nia had fired him, Mr. Gordon was deeply disappointed.
“You must apologize. Victor will take over this store starting tomorrow. It will be up to him whether or not you keep your job.”
Nia panicked. She drove to Victor’s modest home, still stunned that he was a co-owner. He welcomed her kindly and offered her pie.
“Nia, when Mr. Gordon’s father ran the store, he treated employees like family. That’s why the business grew. Happy employees lead to happy customers. That brings more sales.”
Nia finally understood. “So that’s where I went wrong…”
Victor nodded gently. “And please, bring Maya back. You never know what someone is capable of. Just like you once started as an intern.”
Before she left, Victor reassured her. “Don’t worry. I won’t fire you. But we will vote with Mr. Gordon and the team.”
The next day, Nia gathered the employees.
“Victor will be heading the store with me. I hope you’ll all forgive me for the past few days. Maya and Victor will be back, and we will work as a team from now on.”
From that day, Nia changed. She implemented Victor’s advice and followed Mr. Gordon’s father’s philosophy. The team was happier, and work became more productive. Sales skyrocketed.
Mr. Gordon was impressed. Five years later, Nia was promoted to CEO of the entire chain. Victor still worked as a janitor because he loved it.
What can we learn from this story?
Respect your team. Lead with kindness. And never judge anyone by their title — you never know who might be changing lives behind the scenes.
