Off Into The Sunset

If it's Wendesday, you know it's Wrting Day. Not to mention time for another Writing Wednesday Blog.

Yes, I am not consistent as I want to be with this, but at the same time when I do right them they tend to mean something as this Blog does.

On Monday, I received word that my former District Manager that I worked with for many years passed away. I'm told that he went out on his terms which knowing him like I did is no surprise. This man helped mold and shape me into the manager I am today at that job I have to have (since we all know this is my real job).

I am saddened by his passing as he was a good man. While writing my latest book, "30 Storeys", one of the stories I wrote in the book was inspired by the first time I met the man. I thought that this would be a good time to share.

Thank you, GW for all that you did for myself and others you inspired. You may be gone, but never forgotten. Without further ado, I present the story he inspired. The 21st Floor - G.W.M.

21^st Floor

G.W.M.

1

     It is a Saturday morning, a curious time to hold a meeting. Meetings often took place on Sunday nights after the store’s closing. Pizza and pop (soda for those non Michiganders) were always on the menu. Not today. Management didn’t even have the common courtesy of bringing in coffee and donuts. Bastards!

     “To what do I owe the pleasure of attending this meeting?” asks Phil, the men’s department manager of the Shoe Box.

     “Perhaps the pleasure is ours, Phil, watching you get your pink slip!” quips Janet, who manages the ladies’ department.

     “Cute,” says Phil. “Regardless, who holds a meeting on a Saturday morning?”

     “We’ve all been asking that,” responds Jose, the stock lead. “This isn’t something management can just disseminate to us at their convenience. Otherwise, why drag everyone in here?”

     “You might have a point there, Jose,” says Janet. “Who’s the guy talking with Skippy and Paul?”

     “No clue,” says Phil. “Whoever it is has Skippy worried and they’re walking this way, so I’d say we’re about to find out.”

2

     Skippy, the general manager, walks over to address them.

     “Good morning. Please take a seat so we can get started.”

     He waits a moment as the entire crew settles down.

     They take longer than expected.      Skippy appears on edge and is about to burst.      Before he can, Andy, the assistant store manager (who should be the general manager), steps in.

     “Okay, everyone. The sooner you settle, the sooner we can start, allowing non-workers to leave early and giving the rest of us a head start before the store opens.”

     With that being said, the crew becomes dead silent. You can tell who they respect and who they don’t. The gentleman Skippy is about to introduce notices this and he’s not impressed… and Skippy knows it.

     “Thank you,” says Skippy in a rude tone. “I called this meeting this morning to inform you there are changes being made in the company’s structure. Effective today, we move into a new region because of the company’s realignment of stores to be more efficient.”

     Skippy’s hands shake as he takes a sip of his coffee and states, “We have a new regional manager…and I have a new boss. So, allow me to introduce you to our new regional manager, Gabriel W. McClellan.”

3

     Gabriel W. McClellan steps forward, revealing himself to the staff for the first time.

     He is a weathered individual with a chiseled face resembling Gregory Peck, but he walks with a stagger that would rival John Wayne’s. In his early fifties, the man looks all business and won’t take shit from anyone.

     That’s the assumption everyone gets; one soon to become a proven fact.

     “Good morning, everyone,” says Gabriel. “Thank you for taking the time this morning to come to this meeting. It’s appreciated. I felt it was best to speak to all of you to introduce myself initially. I will attempt to get to know each of you personally as we collaborate.”

     He takes a drag on his cigarette, sips his coffee, then continues with his speech.

     “As Skippy said, my name is Gabriel W. McClellan and as of today, I am your new regional manager. My mother named me after the archangel Gabriel. Those familiar with the Bible, Gabriel, announced God’s will to humanity. My mother will confirm that I did so on the day of my birth, hence my name.”

     The staff laughs at his statement.

     “A comedian,” comments Jose to Phil.

     “You may call me G.W., as that is what I go by,” explains Gabriel.

     He informs the staff, “I have an extensive background in the shoe business and those at the corporate level, the Ivory Tower to you, have the utmost faith and confidence in my abilities to get the job done and accomplish the company’s objectives.”

     “Well,” whispers Phil to Jose, “I think Skippy is up a ‘shit crick’ with this guy.”

     “Ya think,” responds Jose.

     “Some of you here today,” says G.W., “see this job as a stepping stone to something else. That’s fine. While you’re with this company, I expect you to do your job to the best of your ability.”

     He pauses, takes a sip of coffee and another drag off his cigarette.

     “The rest of you who want to move up within the company, it’s my job to give you all the tools and the knowledge needed for you to succeed in that goal.”

     G.W. takes one last drag off his cigarette and crushes it out in the ashtray sitting on the shelf next to him. He finishes his coffee and warns the staff in a serious tone, “I don’t tolerate complainers! Want to complain? There’s the door!” he states, pointing to the exit. “You are free to use it anytime! Complainers are a dime a dozen and I’ll replace you like that!” snapping his fingers. “Are we clear?”

     The staff sits there, stunned.

     Even Phil, who would’ve had some sarcastic remark, says nothing.

     “Questions?” asks G.W.

     No one says a word. Who would after that?

     G.W. waits, then after no response, says, “Since there are no questions, you may go. Again, thank you for coming in. I look forward to working with all of you. Enjoy your day.”

4

     G.W. turns and walks away, with Skippy and Andy following him. His conversation with them doesn’t look good based on both manager’s body language.

     “Well, that was fun,” says Phil. “Let’s do it again sometime.”

     “I’ll pass, thank you very much,” Janet comments as she gathers her things. “The time for a career change may have arrived.”

     “What do you think, Jose?”

     “Well, Phil, I must admit it’s an introduction that I will never forget. I’ll reserve my opinion until I’ve worked with him. However, I think we are in for one interesting ride with one G.W. McClellan.”

     “Time will tell,” says Phil as they disperse. “Time will tell.”

Until next time my friends.