Exausting being in charge.

This evening was a busy one at the Pharmacy. Many people were picking up their medicines and doing general shopping. The real action was happening behind the scenes, though. In the back room, a meeting was being held to discuss the products not being counted in the back rooms.

“Mr. Lewis”, the store manager, was leading the discussion and inviting his employees to interject or ask questions when they felt like it. The other employee’s body language expressed interest by leaning forward, slightly, but their faces were glazed over with a look that said they were tuned out. This progressed for a while before a short lunch break was called.

I overheard on woman who I will call “Sally” mumble about how boring Mr. Lewis was and how it was hard to take any of this seriously. There were a few nods of agreement and some more statements made about how he was making them all fall asleep. Apparently no one notices Mr. Lewis slipping back into the room during their discussion. He coughed a few times then walked slowly to the front. He kind of loomed over Sally and the closest cohorts. He crossed his arms and even puffed out his chest while looking down at them.

He began to explain, in a firm voice, why this meeting was important. He told them, in no uncertain terms, that if there was failure to comply with the new stocking rules, none of them were irreplaceable. Sally wouldn’t look up the entire time he spoke to the group. Her face was red as could be. Her shoulders were a bit caved in and curled in on herself. Clearly, Sally was ashamed at being caught. The rest of the meeting continued on this tense note. As everyone began to get up to leave, Mr. Jones stood by the door. His arms were still crossed and he looked at each person from under his brows. His intimidation techniques seemed to work. Everyone walked by him with quick steps and downcast eyes.

The moment he thought no one was watching, his shoulders slumped and he began to rub his head as if he had a headache. I am thinking that being in charge and maintaining control is physically exhausting. He rubs his face a couple of times then makes his way to the office. The rest of the employees get back to the grind, but quieter and no one is talking to one another.