A large outsourcing company in New York decided it was time for a change, so they hired Jack as their new CEO. Jack had held several high-level executive positions before, mostly ones he left before things became too complicated.
Determined to make a strong impression on his first day, Jack walked into the office with confidence.
“I need to make a big impression,” he told himself, straightening his perfectly tied necktie. “Something bold. Something decisive. Something… memorable.”
As he entered the main office, Jack noticed a man casually leaning against the hallway wall. The man was spinning a paperclip between his fingers and staring into space as if he were either deep in thought or sleeping with his eyes open.
Jack walked up to him.
“You! How much do you make a week?”
The man blinked. “Uh… about $500, sir.”
Jack nodded. “Excellent. Wait here.”
He pulled out his company credit card, marched to the finance office, and withdrew $2,000 in cash.
A few minutes later, he returned and handed the money to the man.
“Here’s four weeks’ pay. You’re fired. Now get out, and take that attitude with you.”
The man looked completely confused. He slowly took the money, nodded, and walked out without saying a word.
Feeling proud of himself, Jack turned toward a group of employees who had watched the entire scene in shock.
“Let that be a lesson,” he announced. “Anyone who isn’t pulling their weight will be shown the door. I will not tolerate laziness. Now, who was that guy anyway?”
One nervous employee raised his hand.
“Um… that was the pizza delivery guy. He was just waiting for someone to sign the receipt.”
Jack stared at him.
Silence filled the room.
Finally, Jack cleared his throat.
“Well… let this also be a lesson in how much I value customer service.”
He quickly walked into his new office and closed the door.
The pizza was cold.