Newly Hired Manager Gets Demoted After “Firing” An Employee Who Earlier Quit Her Job

Are you familiar with “power tripping”? Sure, you are.

Sometimes, power can get into your head. At times, people act entitled and forget how to be decent.

You have surely encountered these kinds of people in the workplace. We have heard stories about unforgiving and inconsiderate managers who are good at setting rules without following them.

No matter how difficult the circumstances may be, these managers require employees to show up for work without considering their feelings. A concrete example of this is what Reddit user Thischick1 shared in her post.

She was studying in college and worked at a big chain restaurant that hired new managers even without prior experience. The employees and management staff were fast-moving, as after training, they needed to advance to another location, and then new ones would come in.

Since she had previously resigned (having given her two-week notice), she received several messages reminding her of her schedule. She patiently replied and explained that she was no longer connected with them and reminded them to carefully check their roster of employees to avoid the same mistake in the future.

But when she went on vacation overseas, one horrific thing happened. Read along to find out how she got “fired” by the same restaurant.

You will surely conclude that this manager is very disrespectful.

Francisco Osorio

OP shares show she almost got “fired” from this restaurant where she no longer works.

Thischick1

The restaurant where she worked was the region’s management training location.

Thischick1

Understanding Power Dynamics

The phenomenon of 'power tripping' in the workplace is a manifestation of the psychological concept known as 'power distance,' which refers to the degree of inequality in power distribution within a given context. Research by Geert Hofstede highlights that in environments with high power distance, employees often feel compelled to accept authority without question, leading to unhealthy power dynamics where managers may abuse their position (Hofstede, 1980).

This imbalance can foster an environment where entitled behavior becomes normalized, as individuals in power may feel insulated from the repercussions of their actions. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology indicates that such power disparities can lead to increased feelings of stress and disengagement among employees, contributing to higher turnover rates and lower job satisfaction (Tepper et al., 2009).

She eventually resigned after working for a year, as she never really loved working there.

Thischick1

Two weeks after her resignation, she was notified of her schedule. OP patiently reminded the management that she was no longer connected with them; therefore, someone should fill her spot.

Thischick1

After another two weeks passed, the same thing happened. She received another notification.

Thischick1

The concept of narcissism can be relevant when examining the behavior of managers who engage in unprofessional practices, such as firing employees without proper context. According to research from the University of Illinois, narcissistic individuals often exhibit a lack of empathy and an inflated sense of entitlement, which can lead them to make impulsive decisions that disregard the well-being of others (Twenge & Campbell, 2003).

In the workplace, this can manifest as a disregard for the emotional stakes involved in personnel decisions, fostering a culture of fear and compliance rather than one of collaboration and support.

The drama happened when she traveled overseas to Spain and received a series of angry messages from the irate manager despite informing them many times.

Thischick1

This was her reply.

Thischick1

She patiently explained again.

Thischick1

The Role of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in effective managerial practices. Studies show that managers with high emotional intelligence are more adept at recognizing their own emotions and those of their employees, leading to better conflict resolution and a more positive workplace culture (Goleman, 1995).

In contrast, managers lacking EI may struggle to read emotional cues, resulting in actions that can seem harsh or unprofessional, such as the demotion of the newly hired manager in this case. Research from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that training in emotional intelligence can significantly enhance management practices, equipping leaders with the tools necessary to foster a supportive work environment (Mayer et al., 2008).

The angry manager instead threatened her that she would be written up.

Thischick1

Despite her explanation, she was called a brat, arrogant, and unprofessional, and was even yelled at through text.

Thischick1

She was also accused of being lazy and called a liar.

Thischick1

Workplace bullying and unprofessional behavior, like that exhibited by the newly hired manager, can have serious implications for organizational culture and employee mental health. A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that workplace bullying is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and job dissatisfaction among employees (Nielsen et al., 2016).

Organizations must recognize the importance of creating policies that address such behaviors, as fostering a safe and respectful environment is key to maintaining employee well-being and productivity. Implementing regular training sessions on conflict resolution and communication skills can help mitigate these issues.

She sent screenshots of their conversation to one of the managers and learned that the unprofessional manager got demoted and transferred to another location.

Thischick1

Let’s check out some of the people’s reactions after they have read OP’s story:

reddit

It’s weird that the manager refused to accept OP’s explanation despite previously acknowledging the fact that she was no longer connected with the restaurant.

reddit

Practical Recommendations for Management

To prevent situations like the demotion of the newly hired manager, organizations can benefit from establishing a culture of accountability and open communication. According to organizational consultants, creating clear guidelines for managerial conduct and implementing regular feedback loops can help ensure that all employees, including managers, understand the expectations of their roles (Heskett, 2011).

Additionally, mentorship programs for new managers can provide them with the necessary support and guidance to navigate complex interpersonal situations effectively. Research indicates that mentorship not only improves managerial skills but also fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance in the workplace, which can be crucial for reducing instances of unprofessional behavior.

They lack competence and management skills.

reddit

Nothing is surprising in this kind of industry.

reddit

Connection is a bit "strained."

reddit

Behavioral psychology suggests that the actions of managers can significantly impact employee morale and productivity. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that managers who consistently engage in positive reinforcement and recognize employee achievements create a more motivated workforce, while those who resort to punitive measures tend to foster resentment and fear (Kahn, 2016).

This underscores the importance of balanced leadership styles where recognition and accountability coexist. Organizations should invest in training programs that emphasize positive leadership strategies, which can enhance overall workplace dynamics and reduce instances of negative behavior.

OP defeated a true monster!

reddit

What was your conclusion then? Did the manager get what she deserves?

Clearly, OP was patient and polite in replying to all their notifications. It was just this manager who acted rudely.

What do you think of this story? Please share this story and see how others would react.

Psychological Analysis

The situation described highlights a troubling aspect of power dynamics in the workplace, where a manager's lack of emotional intelligence and empathy can lead to toxic behavior. This "power tripping" can stem from insecurity or an inflated sense of entitlement, causing managers to make impulsive decisions that disregard the well-being of their employees. Ultimately, fostering a culture of accountability and open communication is crucial for preventing such unprofessional conduct and promoting a healthier work environment.

Analysis generated by AI

Research-Based Understanding

In conclusion, the dynamics of power, emotional intelligence, and workplace culture play critical roles in shaping managerial behavior and employee experiences. Research shows that organizations must actively cultivate environments where respect and professionalism are standard, as failure to do so can result in detrimental outcomes for both individuals and the company as a whole. As highlighted by the studies referenced, practical measures such as mentorship, accountability protocols, and emotional intelligence training can significantly improve workplace interactions and foster a healthier organizational culture. Ultimately, creating a supportive work environment is not merely beneficial but essential for the long-term success of any organization.