Nia’s recent promotion to general manager of a fashion retail outlet led to significant changes. “Alright, guys. Is everyone clear on the new protocols?” she asked her team. Her strict measures, like reducing breaks and extending shifts, worried the staff. Despite their concerns, they respected Nia’s dedication.

However, her approach soon caused problems. “Our ratings are dipping. We’ll be ruined at this rate,” she yelled at her exhausted team. She even fired Maya, a saleswoman, for falling asleep on the job. Victor, a 68-year-old janitor, tried to reason with her, but she fired him too, saying, “You’re fired, old man!”

Victor’s firing led to a surprising revelation: he was the store’s co-owner. Mr. Gordon, the chain’s owner, explained that Victor had saved his life as a child. He gave Nia a month to improve the situation and ordered her to apologize to Victor.

Victor’s wisdom changed Nia’s approach. “When employees love their work, they provide top-notch service,” he said. Nia re-hired Maya and implemented more respectful policies. Sales improved, and she was eventually promoted to CEO, while Victor chose to remain a janitor, loving his job.