A diligent woman turns into an aggressive and impatient boss after a recent promotion at a store. Everything goes unchecked until she insults and fires an elderly janitor.

Nina had recently been promoted as the general manager of a notable fashion store. Just a week into her new role, she was already implementing significant changes, guided by a folder full of ideas she’d accumulated over the years.

One morning, Nina addressed her staff.

“Alright, everyone. Does everyone understand the new protocols we’ll be following?” she asked.

The team responded with nods and gentle affirmations.

“I don’t want anyone to deviate from my directives, so here’s what we’ll do,” she continued. “Anyone not following the new rules—whether it’s dress code, greeting customers, product placement, punctuality—will lose their incentive for that month,” declared Nina, her face glowing with pride.

The staff exchanged worried glances. Nina’s drastic measures made them fearful for their jobs, as even minor mistakes could cost them dearly.

Despite the recent changes, the team respected Nina. They knew her journey from an intern to a top position and admired her dedication to the fashion industry.

However, over time, Nina’s approach became increasingly problematic. She set unrealistic goals and reacted harshly to minor errors. Her decisions, such as extending shifts and imposing strict rules, were met with silent frustration from the staff. Their only solace, weekends, was now occupied with work. But that wasn’t all.

Nina’s strategies, like reducing loading costs by involving sales personnel and limiting employee breaks, pushed them to their limits. She even banned sitting during shifts and restricted medical leave, all in the name of making a good impression on customers.

“We have to show we’re never too tired to serve them. And always serve them with a smile. Is that clear?” Nina instructed sternly. She was excessively pleased with how she ran things.

Raised by a single mom, Nina had faced numerous rejections before landing an internship at the fashion store. Her dedication to work and effort led quickly to her promotion.

From her office, she looked out on the streets where she once sought opportunities, determined never to return to those challenging days. Under her leadership, the store buzzed with activity, though the staff struggled with the overwhelming workload and tight deadlines she set. Nina was happy until… the work really began to take a toll on the employees.

Over time, Nina’s strict management led to a sharp decline in sales, contradicting her ambitious plans. Furious, she confronted the exhausted employees. “Our ratings are dropping. We’ll be ruined at this rate,” she yelled. “Extend shifts, cut breaks… do whatever it takes! We have to boost sales!”

Nina couldn’t fathom the sudden decline and further increased the workload. One day, following a tense meeting with a client, she found Maria, a sales clerk, asleep at her counter.

“How dare you sleep on the job?” Nina shouted.

Surprised and panicked, Maria apologized, but Nina was unforgiving. “Come to my office,” she demanded. Gathered with the staff, Nina, already upset by sales, decided to exercise her authority.

She fired Maria on the spot, flinging her pay at her. The team was shocked but remained silent. They knew Maria was exhausted from overwork, but who would dare oppose Nina? They wanted to keep their jobs.

But, as Maria left, Victor, a 68-year-old janitor, stepped in. “Nina, dear, I have something to say to you,” he said calmly, despite Nina’s evident irritation.

“We are all happy to help with your vision, Nina,” began Victor, attempting to reason with her. “But maybe we could overlook the small mistakes…”

Nina, infuriated by his audacity to speak, interrupted him. “Enough, Victor! Do you think I haven’t noticed your lateness and long lunch breaks?” she retorted. “And let’s not forget how you’re late every day!”

“Nina, there’s a reason I come later than others…”

Nina couldn’t believe the old man interrupted again. Looking at the other employees watching, 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 it be clear to all,” said Nina. “Anyone who makes excuses under my supervision will be fired. Hey, you’re fired, old man! Now you can join Maria and leave!”

Maria and Victor left in silence while the rest of the staff watched sadly, tears in their eyes. Nina’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.

Mr. George, the owner of the multimillion-dollar chain of stores, unexpectedly visited the store to address the sudden drop in revenue.

“Good morning, everyone! How is everything going?” Mr. George asked all the employees.

“Could be much better,” replied one employee, while the others nodded.

“What happened? Aren’t you excited about the Christmas holidays?” Mr. George asked.

“Some of us wanted a longer Christmas vacation, but Ms. Făgădău only allowed two days off,” explained another employee.

Mr. George partially understood what was going on and called Nina into his office.

“Ms. Făgădău, our revenue has dropped significantly. What happened? Do you need help?” he asked as they stood face to face.

Nina blamed the staff, claiming they were lazy and needed close monitoring.

“I see… We had the same ‘lazy’ staff with us last month, didn’t we? But everything was much better. We haven’t hired anyone recently, so I don’t understand why they are suddenly acting lazy.”

Mr. George gave Nina a month to improve the situation. As he was leaving, he inquired about Victor, the janitor.

“Where is Victor? I didn’t see him today,” he stated.

“He was fired for being late and being too old to work,” Nina revealed reluctantly.

Mr. George was shocked. “WHAT? Do you know you fired this store’s co-owner?”

Nina was stunned. “A co-owner? But he’s just a janitor!”

Mr. George shared a story from his childhood. “I still don’t recall what happened that day… but my father told me I had run after an ice cream truck and nearly got hit by a car. Victor saw while taking out the trash and ran to save me. He pushed me and saved my life, but ended up in intensive care after being hit.

“My father, the original owner of this store, offered him a share of the business. Do you know what Victor said when my father wanted to reward him? ‘I only did what any normal human would do.’ Victor accepted the offer to become a co-owner because my father kept insisting, but with one condition. That he works as a janitor.”

He continued, “Victor lost his wife and child at birth and considered the staff here as his family.”

Mr. George then dropped a bombshell. “You must apologize to Victor. He will take over managing this store tomorrow. I’ll come again, and it’s up to Victor to decide whether to fire you or not.”

Panicked and fearing for her job, Nina went to meet Victor, worried about facing him and the upcoming challenges. “How will I increase sales in a month? How will I deal with Victor? It’s his fault too. Why did he leave without telling me who he is? Now, everything is against me. What will I do?” she fretted.

Nina arrived at Victor’s modest house, surprised by its simplicity despite him being a co-owner of a profitable business. She knocked on the door, and Victor greeted her warmly, inviting her in for apple pie.

“Mr. George told me you would come. Please, make yourself comfortable,” said Victor, unaffected by her earlier actions.

Nina felt embarrassed in that humble setting. Victor, sensing her discomfort, began discussing Mr. George’s father’s business philosophy.

“Unlike others, he valued his employees first. He provided rest rooms, bonuses, corporate events, and weekends off and ensured customers didn’t mistreat them. He treated employees like family,” explained Victor.

Nina nodded shyly, partially realizing what went wrong. “But how does that help grow the business? If employees receive such benefits, how will they work without distractions? Won’t they take advantage of the situation?” she asked.

Victor smiled. “When employees love their work, they provide top service, satisfying customers and growing the business. A smart boss finds ways to make employees devoted. He doesn’t fire them.”

While Victor ate the pie heartily, he asked Nina to call Maria back to work. “You can never know how fate works for others, Nina. You started as an intern but became a general manager. You can’t know what potential a simple saleswoman like Maria might have. Don’t underestimate or judge others by their appearances or job!”

Nina smiled, and just as she was about to leave, Victor stopped her. “Don’t worry, Nina. I won’t fire you. But we’ll decide later, together with all employees and Mr. George, through a vote, alright?”

Assured she still had a second chance, Nina returned to the store and gathered all employees in her office. They feared what other rules she planned to impose. But none of them expected what was about to happen.

“Hello, everyone!” Nina began with a smile. Everyone thought it unusual because she hadn’t greeted them with a smile since her first day of promotion.

“I’d like to tell you all that Victor, the co-owner of the company, will lead us starting tomorrow!”

Employees were shocked by the revelation. Some had no idea the janitor at their store was their boss.

“Don’t be shocked, folks! I am young and new to this field, and I’ve made mistakes. I hope you forgive me for what happened in recent days. Maria and Victor will be back tomorrow, and we will work as a team. Is that clear?”

From the next day, Nina followed Victor’s advice and implemented Mr. George’s father’s principles. She treated her employees with respect and no longer showed authority over them. She thought more about them and ensured every employee loved their job.

As days passed, Nina’s efforts paid off. The employees began giving their best, and as Nina wished, sales for the next quarter increased with impeccable results.

Mr. George was impressed by Nina’s efforts and, along with Victor, decided not to fire her. Five years later, Nina was promoted to the CEO of all the stores.

As for Victor, he chose to continue working as a janitor because he loved his job.

What do you think about leadership in the modern workplace? Share your thoughts and comments!