Discipline in the Private Office of the Founder

An unexpected new job

Christina, the Grand Hotel's general manager, was standing in the lobby watching the comings and goings and keeping a close eye on the staff. She nodded and smiled at what she saw, a well oiled machine working at peak efficiency. Ella, the newly promoted front desk manager, appeared at her side with a note. It was handwritten on a formal correspondence card headed "From the Private Office of the Founder".

"Dear Christina," it read, "Would you allow me the pleasure of your company for drinks this evening? I have a very important matter to discuss with you. Shall we say 6pm in my suite?" It was signed simply "Tan".

Christina's instinctive curiosity and excitement was countered by an edge of anxiety. She remembered well her first meeting with Mr Tan, who was a frequent guest at the hotel. The owner of one of Asia's largest companies expected perfect service and on his first visit under her leadership Christina had failed to arrange a chauffeur to meet his plane. To show that she was not above her own rules, she had submitted to a traditional Malaysian caning from him as a punishment for the error.

Hiding her conflicting emotions she smiled at Ella. "Would you let Mr Tan know that I'd be delighted to join him please Ella?"

"Of course." replied the young woman and headed back to the front desk with a purposeful stride.

Christina felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew Mr Tan wouldn't have asked to meet her unless there was something significant to discuss. She wasn't aware of anything it could be unless... she shivered involuntarily... it was another disciplinary matter.

During the rest of the afternoon Christina checked in with every department head in the hotel. If there was any reason for Mr Tan to be dissatisfied she wanted to know about it in advance. But every department gave her the same answer: Mr Tan was happy and enjoying his stay.

By five fifty-five Christina was dressed in a fitted knee-length black cocktail dress and a pair of elegant slingback stilettos. She knew that Mr Tan preferred his staff to be sophisticated but demure and she had tried to stay the right side of that line while still showing herself as confident, powerful woman.

As she approached the Grand Suite, Christina instinctively ran her hands from her waist down to her thighs, smoothing her dress. She took a deep breath and knocked firmly on the door. It was opened by Mr Tan's assistant who bowed at the neck as she invited her in.

"Mr Tan is finishing a call," the assistant said, "Can I pour you a drink?"

Christina nodded. "A bourbon please," she answered, "with just one cube of ice."

She took a seat on the plush sofa, her eyes scanning the room for any hints of what the "important matter" could be. The suite was tastefully decorated in muted tones with dark woods and rich fabrics. The hotel's florist had excelled herself on this occasion with a stunning arrangement on the coffee table.

The door to the bedroom opened and Mr Tan emerged, his features breaking into a smile as he saw her. "Christina," he said warmly, "thank you for coming."

He was dressed in a slim cut blazer and an open necked shirt. She stood and took his hand as he offered it. "What's the important matter, Mr. Tan?" she asked, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart.

"Straight to business as always," he laughed at Christina's urgency, "One of your many admirable qualities Christina."

He gestured for her to sit and she returned to her place on the sofa, sipping at her bourbon.

"I've noticed something special about your management style, Christina," Mr Tan began, his gaze intense. "You have a unique way of motivating your staff, and it's yielded exceptional results for your hotel."