Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

4 - Monica

4

Monica

Friday, September 9, evening

Monica's neatly pressed white pantsuit communicated crisp efficiency and energy, but she felt exhausted after working again for nearly twelve hours. She needed rest, sleep, and the comforting arms of her husband.

Coffee? No, it would keep me awake. But I'll do whatever it takes to make this first managerial position a success. If I stay focused and persist, I'll have the income, house, car, and wardrobe I deserve. Kevin, thank you for understanding. Right now, I need to follow my dreams, which will make us stronger as a couple.

She looked around the store. It was far larger than the other two where she had worked. 2000 square feet, filled with women's fashion. The decor was eye-catching: rainbow hues used complementary colors to increase contrast and draw customers toward their messages. The blue and orange sign advertised "Form-fitting outfits for 1977!". Another said "NOW!", the store's name, in bright yellow with a purple background. It seemed to shout out that its fashion examples were the most up-to-date possible. And a third said, "Make him notice" in green and red as if the customer would become the gift package under the tree.

Hmmm. Not bad. Even if there are over a hundred shopping days left till Christmas, I'll have to begin brainstorming some commission ideas for my staff. If I can persuade them to perform well, that will boost their incomes, lead to greater volume sales, and bigger profits for the company.

For Monica, it was a game she needed to win. She created sales incentives. When the chain raised prices on some clothes, she created huge sales, from artificially setting prices to ensure the same net gain. If she could get the volume up, some profits would turn into pay raises for her. Think of what I could do with the money! Kevin, you'll see. We'll both benefit.

It was nearly seven p.m. Almost time to go home, where a welcome slumber awaited before her drive to see Kevin in the morning. I so want to see you, darling, to tell you all that I've done and want to accomplish. We'll curl up in bed and share our dreams.

Just then, in walked Derek Peterson, the co-President of Now. Monica had never met him before. He was wearing a dark three-piece suit, something the NOW customers would want their men wearing. His wife Marian, the other co-President, had seen Monica on the job at her prior store and was so impressed that she offered Monica this job. Derek looked imposing, and he was way too handsome. Maybe 30, trim, dark hair, piercing brown eyes, and a deep tan. When does he find time to be in the sun?

But married, thankfully, so maybe her salesgirls would keep their minds on their jobs rather than on him.

"You must be Monica Watson."

"Yes, Mr. Peterson. I recognize you from your picture." There were snapshots of the power couple in both the "Now" managerial manual and the store's fashion catalog.

"Please call me Derek. Marian has been telling me about your enthusiasm and commitment."

"She's very kind. I love working at 'Now' and hope to show you how successful we can be here."

"I have no doubt. Just stopping by today. I did hear that you've had several employees who called in sick, so you have been understaffed this last week, true?"

"Yes, Derek. Maybe there are more illnesses this close to the coast. Sand flu or sun-itis? "

Derek smiled. "Well, I think proximity to the ocean causes some to feel a little more like they'd prefer to be somewhere else rather than at work. A common problem, but I think they are testing you a little since you're new here. With your permission, I would like to meet with you and the staff tomorrow to remind them about dedication, to help solve this. Who knows? We might prevent an outbreak of beach-alaria?"