There are some people who think their way of doing things is the only way…and that everyone else is just waiting to hear their ‘wisdom.’.
I ran into one of those people on a Tuesday morning.
We were having coffee.
I’d just landed a big promotion and was spilling all my excitement.
Just two friends, enjoying themselves and talking about their own business.
But apparently, someone else was deciding to make our business, her business.
A lady at the next table over actually decided to butt in.
And, you won’t believe why she ‘felt’ she ‘had to.
She looked like she’d stepped out of a “Career Woman” magazine spread: pristine suit, perfectly coiffed hair, and an expression that could curdle milk.
Her sour aspect should have warned me something catty, snotty and vicious was heading our way.
The Interruption
After months of late nights and endless projects, I’d finally done it—I’d landed my dream promotion.
It was one of those moments where everything just clicked, and I couldn’t wait to start.
So, I was at the coffee shop that morning with Mia, my best friend and biggest cheerleader, sharing the news over lattes and muffins.
“I’m telling you, I have so many ideas I want to bring to this team. I really want them to feel like they can contribute, you know? A real team environment.”
I was practically bouncing in my seat, thinking about all the possibilities.
Mia nodded, beaming. “They’re lucky to have you, Jess. Honestly, this team has no idea what’s about to hit them.”
I grinned, my mind spinning with everything I wanted to accomplish.
But then, out of nowhere, I heard a voice dripping with disdain.
“Well, if you ask me, ‘collaborative environments’ are just code for letting people slack off. Real management requires real experience, not these cute little ‘fresh ideas.’”
The voice had that polished, sneering tone I hadn’t heard since my first job out of college, where the department head told me I should “learn to observe rather than offer opinions.”
I turned my head, and there she was: the polished woman from the next table, stirring her coffee as if she’d just delivered the Ten Commandments.
I blinked, caught off guard, while Mia looked at her with total disbelief.
“Excuse me?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t believe I asked for advice.”
She smirked, clearly unbothered by our reactions.
“I’m just sharing a bit of reality with you. You young people waltz into positions thinking you’ll change the world. It’s cute, really. But leadership is about earning respect, and that doesn’t come from being ‘collaborative.’ It comes from being serious.”
The Pushback
I glanced at Mia, who looked ready to explode. I took a deep breath, choosing to keep things civil—at least for now.
“Well, I’m actually really excited about creating a team-oriented environment,” I said, smiling through my irritation. “I think people work best when they feel respected and involved.”
The woman gave a loud, dismissive sigh.
“Respect has to be earned, not handed out. You’ll understand that when you’re old enough to know better.”
She flashed a smile that seemed to say she’d done us both a favor.
I glanced around, noticing a few other patrons watching the scene with barely concealed interest.
Some shook their heads, while others looked amused, probably glad they weren’t the ones caught in the woman’s line of fire.
Mia’s face was turning an impressive shade of red, and I could feel my patience wearing thin.
Just then, my phone buzzed on the table.
A new message from my boss popped up on the screen: “FYI, Linda Baxter is transferring to your department tomorrow. Please onboard her and go over your team goals.”
I barely registered the name as I finished my coffee, brushing off the stranger’s snide remarks and hoping I’d never run into her again.
I had no idea that my wish was about to be spectacularly unfulfilled.
The Moment of Recognition
The next morning, I walked into the conference room for my first team meeting in my new role, feeling the buzz of excitement and a touch of nerves.
The team was already seated, chatting amongst themselves, and I was about to head to the front of the room when our division director, Mr. Greene, walked in to make introductions.
“Good morning, everyone!” he said, a warm smile on his face.
“I’d like to introduce you all to your new department head, Jess Taylor. She’s coming in with fresh ideas and a great vision for the team, and I’m confident she’ll do an outstanding job leading you all.”
I stepped forward with a friendly smile as Mr. Greene introduced them one by one, and that’s when I saw her.
The rude woman from the coffee shop, sitting at the table, her face frozen in shock.
My stomach did a little flip as I remembered her name from the text message—Linda Baxter.
Her eyes darted from Mr. Greene to me as she slowly registered the situation.
The color drained from her face as she realized that the young woman she’d lectured at the coffee shop—the one she’d called inexperienced and naive—was, in fact, her new boss.
Mr. Greene seemed unaware of Linda’s discomfort as he continued, “Jess has some innovative ideas about team collaboration, and I’m sure you’ll all benefit from her leadership. Jess, I’ll let you take it from here.”
I nodded, trying to keep my composure as I took in Linda’s horrified expression.
“Thank you, Mr. Greene. I’m really looking forward to working with each of you,” I said, my gaze landing briefly on Linda.
“I hope we can create a space where everyone feels valued and respected—where open communication is key. I’m a big believer that everyone brings something unique to the table.”
Linda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, clutching her notepad tightly, looking as though she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
The Sweet Irony
As I began outlining my vision for the team, I couldn’t help but notice Linda’s complete silence.
The self-assured woman from the coffee shop, the one who’d lectured me on “real management,” now sat there with her eyes glued to her notes, visibly shrinking in her seat.
When I wrapped up my introduction, I opened the floor for questions. The team responded enthusiastically, asking about the direction I had in mind and sharing their thoughts.
Linda, however, kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with me and the rest of the team.
After the meeting ended, Mr. Greene called Linda over, smiling as he said, “Linda, I think you’re going to find that Jess is an exceptional leader. I hope you’ll be able to support her in all of our upcoming projects.”
Linda nodded, forcing a strained smile.
“Of course, Mr. Greene. I look forward to… learning from Jess.” Her words came out in a near-whisper, a far cry from the confident tone she’d used with me at the coffee shop.
I extended my hand, giving her a friendly but knowing smile.
“I’m glad to have someone with your… experience on the team, Linda,” I said, echoing her own words from the day before. “I’m sure you’ll give me plenty of real advice as I settle into this role.”
Her forced smile faltered, and I could see the memory of her own words flash across her face as she struggled to keep her composure.
As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction.
Sometimes, the best response isn’t a comeback or a lecture—it’s simply letting someone see the irony of their own words play out in real time.