Hard-Working Employee and a Demanding Manager Clash Over a Failing Initiative, But When The Company Sends an Anonymous Survey to Everyone Involved, the Trust Comes Out.
In the world of retail and renovation, the original poster (OP) found themselves caught up in a high-stakes conflict, facing off against Devin, a domineering assistant manager. As the tension built, OP’s quiet rebellion began to unfold, leading to an unforeseen climax that turned the store on its head.
The Jack of All Trades
OP found employment at a big local hardware store and became known as a Swiss army employee, capable of managing multiple roles with ease. Despite this, the lack of specialization left OP wanting more. This longing would soon be satisfied with the introduction of a new program that they were perfect for.
A New Beginning
The company started a new renovation/remodel service for interiors, and OP was selected to assist the designer with product selection, information, contracts, and local marketing. The anticipation was high, and everyone was excited about this new endeavor. Little did they know, the path was not going to be as smooth as they hoped.
Uncertainty and Disorder
The new program was expensive and had several flaws, including limited product options and a lack of publicity. OP and the designer had to figure everything out with little guidance from the company. The stage was set for a challenging and rocky journey.
The Unsteady Climb
Despite the hurdles, OP and the designer began making progress, with OP even creating a video to advertise the service. They started building design displays in the store, demonstrating their partnership in this endeavor. Still, they were far from getting the program off the ground.
Enter the Micromanager
The assistant manager, Devin, had been supportive at first but became increasingly frustrated with the obstacles the program faced. His impatience grew, and he started blaming the designer for problems beyond their control. The tension was rising, and cracks in the team began to show.
The High Costs of Success
The program was selling renovations at significantly higher costs than the local average, particularly in a market that wasn’t suitable for such a service. Despite this, they started hitting their numbers, ranking #7 in the region. But just when things were looking up, Devin decided the progress wasn’t sufficient.
The Micromanager Strikes
Devin began imposing unrealistic expectations on the team, prioritizing quick sales over customer satisfaction. His forceful approach caused customers to feel rushed, and they began backing out. The program, once thriving, came to a sudden standstill.
Devin’s Harder Blow
Devin’s authoritarian management style escalated, and he ended up firing the designer. This led to a significant downturn in the program’s performance. With no customers and no designer, OP was left alone to manage the once-promising program.
The Bully Bullied
OP, fed up with Devin’s attitude and management style, began pushing back and teasing him, eventually making him back off. This provided OP with a chance to run the program by themselves. But the firing of the designer had left a lingering bitterness.
The New Designer
A new designer was hired, and Devin moved OP back to their previous role, effectively sidelining them. Despite being qualified, OP was passed over for several promotions. This marked the beginning of OP’s disillusionment with the company.
The Anonymous Review
The company sent an anonymous manager review survey, and OP saw an opportunity for retaliation. They took to the store computers and wrote multiple reviews for Devin. Some were good, some were bad, but all were designed to undercut his standing in the company.
The Downfall of Devin
Following the anonymous reviews, Devin’s demeanor changed dramatically. He barely interacted with anyone and subsequently resigned from his assistant manager position. His downfall was the first step in OP’s revenge.
Devin’s New Role
Devin took up a position in exterior design at the other end of the store, ironically placing him in the same shoes as the designer he’d fired. This twist of fate marked a shift in Devin’s status within the company. However, OP’s plan of revenge was not yet complete.
OP’s Departure
OP, disheartened and frustrated with the situation, decided to leave the store for a tech support position at DHS. As they prepared for this new chapter, the legacy of their actions still echoed through the store. Their departure was bitter, but it left an undeniable impact.
Devin’s Ultimate Downfall
Devin, now working in the same position as the designer he had once fired, faced the inevitable: he was fired, just as the designer was during the Christmas season. The news reached OP via their friends at the store. It seemed that karma had finally caught up with Devin.
Was The OP’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responded
One reader said, “It’s unfortunate that the new program didn’t take off as well as everyone had hoped, but it sounds like you and the designer put in a lot of effort to get it off the ground. It’s frustrating to hear about micromanagers who don’t understand the scope of a project and just add unnecessary stress and pressure. Kudos to you for standing up for yourself and your coworker in a way that didn’t involve direct confrontation.”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote: “Even if Devin was the only one who saw it, that many reviews can’t be ignored.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person states, “I had one of those micro-managers who’ve never actually done the job but loved to complain when we couldn’t achieve the impossible. Knowing he was demoted and then fired? Mmm!”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a Reddit thread.
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
She Purchased an Extra Middle Seat on the Plane Only to Be Body Shammed By a Rude Flyer.
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
A woman’s family is torn apart by a bitter inheritance dispute after the death of her loved one, culminating in an intense legal showdown that threatens to sever the family forever.
