A millionaire decided to test all of his employees by offering the most important position in the company as a reward.The surprise he had was unbelievable.
Oscar LeBlanc, a 65-year-old gentleman, owner of one of the largest chandelier companies in the country, LeBlanc Chandeliers, was in his office looking at the privileged view from the top floor.
He was thinking of developing a new, more delicate chandelier model while appreciating the view. The businessman spotted his garden down below at the entrance of the building. It was a beautiful garden full of different flowers and a cherry blossom tree. It was the gentleman’s favorite place in his work since he was very passionate about nature.
He decided to create a new chandelier in the shape of the orchid flower, which was his favorite. Oscar was a very successful businessman and very kind to his employees. He had the admiration and affection of everyone in his company.
He loved his work and was very talented at creating different types of pendulums, lamps, and chandeliers of all shapes and styles. He had a beautiful family, three children, and five grandchildren. The gentleman’s life was perfect, and everything was going well until one day, Daryl, the company’s CEO and Oscar’s best friend, told him that he was going to move to another country.
The two gentlemen had worked together for over 30 years and were childhood friends and loyal partners. They built LeBlanc Chandeliers from the ground up and made it into one of the biggest companies in the industry.
This news broke Oscar’s heart. He was going to lose his CEO and also barely see his friend. But the CEO explained that he had met the woman of his dreams, the love of his life, during his last vacation, and that he was going to move to Switzerland to be with her. The president was very happy for his friend but also very sad with his departure. He knew how good of a man Daryl was and how much he suffered since his divorce.
Oscar always encouraged his friends to put themselves out there and look for love. So, with the great news that his friend had finally found the love of his life, they opened a bottle of champagne and toasted to the CEO’s new life. The departure would not be immediate. Daryl wouldn’t move until next year, so he would have plenty of time to train the next CEO of LeBlanc. The CEO asked Oscar if the Vice Director, Helen, would be good to take his place. But he was surprised with a “no.”
Helen was a great employee. She worked hard and dedicated her whole life to be the best Vice Director. But she was very arrogant, mean, and thought she was better than everyone in a lower position.
Oscar always suspected that she was not as honest as she wanted others to believe. He agreed with his friend and asked him who would be the new CEO of the company. Then Oscar, looking at his garden, said he had an idea. He asked his friend if he would train anyone who could get the job, and Daryl said yes. Then the gentleman explained his plan.
“I will hold a selection process. Everyone in the company, regardless of their position, can participate. There will be no difference between employees. All will be evaluated equally and are able to conquer the CEO position of LeBlanc Chandeliers.” Then Oscar asked the executive director to schedule an urgent meeting with all the employees for the next day, and so it was done.
The next day, when Oscar arrived at the company’s courtyard, he found all his employees gathered there. Everyone, from cleaners, kitchen assistants, janitors, to higher-level employees like creation designers, marketing production engineers, and executive directors. They were all daily tasks. Emmanuel, now the newly appointed CEO, accompanied Daryl to his office, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. As they entered the office, Daryl congratulated Emmanuel once again and assured him that he would guide him through the transition process.
Over the next few weeks, Emmanuel received extensive training from Daryl, who shared his knowledge and experience in running the company. Emmanuel was grateful for the opportunity and absorbed every piece of information, eager to excel in his new role.
Meanwhile, the other employees at LeBlanc chandeliers began reflecting on their actions during the selection process. They realized the importance of honesty and integrity in both their personal and professional lives. The incident served as a wake-up call, prompting them to reevaluate their values and work ethic.
Helen, in particular, went through a profound transformation. She acknowledged her arrogance and the negative way she treated her colleagues. Determined to change, she apologized to everyone, expressing her remorse for her past behavior. She promised to work on herself and become a better person and employee.
As time passed, Emmanuel’s leadership qualities became apparent. He implemented positive changes in the company, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. He valued the input of each employee, regardless of their position, and encouraged collaboration and innovation. Under his guidance, LeBlanc chandeliers flourished even more, becoming a beacon of success and integrity in the industry.
Emmanuel’s family also experienced positive changes in their lives. With his new position, he was able to provide better financial stability and opportunities for his loved ones. The family’s hardships slowly faded away, replaced by a newfound sense of security and happiness.
Oscar, the company owner, couldn’t be prouder of his decision to choose Emmanuel as the CEO. He had found not only a capable leader but also a person of integrity who embodied the values he cherished. The success of Emmanuel’s flower may not have been the determining factor, but his genuine efforts and honesty had won him the highest position in the company.
The story of LeBlanc chandeliers spread, inspiring other businesses and individuals to prioritize honesty and fairness in their endeavors. Emmanuel’s journey served as a reminder that success can come from unexpected places and that true leadership is not defined by titles or education but by character and genuine dedication.
