The Devil Wears Prada... Really

When I first saw the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, I thought there was a bit of over exaggeration of how scared employees were of their bosses. People would shake in their boots whenever she would come around. I understand that it takes a tough person to run a major corporation or sector of a company,but I really did not believe that people were scared of their bosses. I mean, everyone is human, right?

I have never been introduced to the hierarchy or business really until now: in my parents office, they owned it, so I never really noticed anything- their employee's were free to ask questions and approach them without making a scheduled appointment. My job through college, my bosses were our friends, yes we respected them and knew our limits, but they turned into my parents away from my parents. I have carried these thoughts over to my new, real life job- why should I be afraid to ask my boss (also the head of the entire digital department questions (epically if its a question about a task for her)?

I received an e-mail from a co-worker, he explained that he was working from home and got an urgent e-mail from our boss that she needs a packet put together- he asked if I could do it as soon as possible. He also said that he is not sure which sheets she wanted nor what kind of binder she wanted the sheets in- so I was in a bit of a dilemma. My first plan of action was to find the sheets she was referring to and find nicer paper to print them out on. My second plan of action was to find out what kind of binding she preferred. I first asked her assistant if she had any idea what I was talking about- and she was no help. So instead of doing the project completely wrong, I called my co-worker and told him I was almost done, but just needed to hear back from our boss. He said, "Wait, you e-mailed her? Why did you do that? I only e-mail her if it is an emergency." This thought process shocked me. He was genuine in his response- he would have rather done the project wrong than ask. Clearly, I am not one for doing things wrong- so why go ahead and do something if you don't know its right? Everyone has different work ethics, and that is just my preference.

Well, surprise, the task was not urgent at all, he just had a bit of a freak out because it was sent to him from our boss so he thought it had to get done asap. She is out of the office until Friday and needs it then- not Monday afternoon at 4 when my coworker sent me the S.O.S. Why is he so afraid of our boss? I understand the respect lines- there has to be a clear definition that she is our boss, but she is also a person- as are all of us.

Lesson Leaned:

Even the president is a person. Yes- the president is busy, but a person without doubt.

Peace, Love and No Devil cold ever wear Prada,

B