Earning His Stripes WC 200

A new hire is surprised by his new boss's request on his first day of work.

Earning His Stripes
 

It was my first day on the job, and I didn’t know what to expect. I saw my new employer walking toward me, and I gulped. He was big, brawny—quite intimidating.

“Earn your stripes,” he said, and handed me a broom.

“By sweeping the floor, Mr. Hallett?”

“To gain respect, recognition, or a higher position through hard work, experience, and proven skills. That’s what earning your stripes means, son.”

“By sweeping the floor?”

“Gotta start somewhere, kid.”

I hesitated; it felt demeaning. I was a college graduate, after all.

“I’m wearing a suit and tie, sir.”

“I sign your paycheck.”

I did need the money to pay off my student loans, so I started sweeping, whistling as I worked.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Mr. Hallett said as he grabbed the broom. “You’ve earned my respect.”

I was puzzled.

“You were willing to do a menial job. Nothing like your job description. I like that. It shows guts!”

It was out of fear of being fired, but Mr. Hallett didn’t need to know that fact.

“Follow me. The other associates are in the conference room waiting to meet our newest member of the firm.”

I straightened my tie and followed him.

WC 205