Just a few years ago, I worked at a store called UniQlo. UniQlo is a popular clothing franchise, the Japanese version of the Gap. I shopped at UniQlo during a trip to Tokyo, so I was really excited, not only to see that they would be in New York City, but also that they were hiring. I needed a part time job to supplement my income at the time. I was hired quickly and excelled. I trained with Japanese management on the extremely exacting standards they demanded. The general manager of UniQlo was a Swedish woman--tall, leggy, electric blue eyes, with dark brown hair. She wore stilettos everyday and often wore revealing skirts and dresses.
[...] If she liked you, she might send you home without pay for the remainder of your shift. Moreover, Marie actively encouraged both male and female workers to dress more provocatively, more promiscuously, more slutty. Those who did were swiftly promoted or relocated to the department or position they wished. Marie installed locks on the staff bathrooms and only gave other managers, her ass-kissers and the ass-kissers of her ass-kissers the combination to the toilet. She once gave me and another female co-worker a daunting task. [...]
[...] According to Wikipedia, Marie falls under each of the seven classifications of poor leadership: evil, callous, corrupt, rigid, insular, intemperate, and incompetent. She lacks skills to get work done; in fact, I don't recall witnessing her actually doing any work. She was stiff, unkind, and she shoplifted from the store, too. She was heartless, unfeeling, and a very poor listener. Marie thought she was untouchable; she even openly conducted an affair with her boss, the regional manager, Richard. Too many people were loyal to her because they wanted to get ahead, get power, or get close to her—she was a beautiful, ruthless woman. [...]
[...] Toward the end of my stint there, I made a huge mistake and followed the general manager's advice. I went over everyone's head and contacted the COO of UniQlo USA. We had a meeting wherein I made a well researched, well delivered presentation on how to improve our business practices. I exposed the general manager behaviors and those who followed her. While he was impressed and disappointed, the HR director was furious, as she was close to the general manager. [...]
[...] We did our best and organized over 75% of the stockroom. When this Marie came to evaluate our work, she brought a manager with her, another female. Before evaluating our performance she barked, did you finish?” We told her we did not, but we came very close and the remainder of the task should also take less than one business week. She threw her head back with disgust and declared:“I knew you would not be able to do this! You're women. [...]
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