I once had this job, where twice a week, an employee of the office I worked in would have to go to the bank to deposit the checks and cash collected from customers.
There were safeguards in place. The boss of our office (lets call him John) would prepare the deposit - and whomever was going to the bank that day would count and verify the amount. It was the responsibility of both parties to count and verify, and sign off the agreed upon amount of deposit. John (the boss) never went to the bank. Only the employees, like me.
The deposits could range from $10,000 up to about $50,000.
John was a long time manager, who had been with the company for over 25 years. He was VERY religious, and let everyone know it. He constantly was trying to get people into "his" beliefs, and it was a nuisance -- but, it was not threatening. It was actually comical after a while, and it seemed harmless.
One day a co-worker of mine, Steve had the task of going to the bank to deposit the money.
Protocol was followed, John prepared the deposit, and Steve walked out the front door - heading to the bank.
About an hour later, Steve walked back in, and he said dejectedly, "There was $500 dollars missing. The deposit was $500 off, and now I dont know what to do."
I said, "Tell John, he will know."
John said, "Steve, if you dont come up with the $500 by the end of the day, you are fired. It was your job to count the money, it was all there when you left - and now its not. You have till 5pm."
Steve was distraught and freaking out.
I went to the bank - and loaned him the money.
He got to save his job, and he promised to pay me back.
2 weeks later, I got a phone call from a gentleman at my desk. He said, "Andy, this is Bill Johnson, its urgent - and of a personal nature. I need you to meet me at lunch today at the McDonalds on Main Street."
I met the man, not knowing what to expect.
Turns out John was being watched. He was stealing from his church. He was stealing from one of his step kids schools. John was "on the take" from a youth sports group -- and worst of all.......
John was stealing from the company big time. This ultra religious guy had been setting up employees. (like myself and Steve) He would meticulously watch to see which employee really took the time to count the deposit after he prepared it. Thankfully, I did. There were a lot of people like Steve out there who did not count it out, people like Steve who he wanted to pin his thievery on -- people that could not come up with $500 like Steve could within a few hours -- who were getting in trouble. Big trouble.
The treasurer at his place of worship. The head of the youth group. John somehow, someway always found a job, or a task a these places -- involving himself with their money.
The company knew it. They enlisted me to help. They asked that we stop counting the deposits John prepared from here on in. Just let him do the paperwork - and make sure that he sees us take the deposit - and then walk directly out the door. Do not follow the protocol, just walk out after he hands it to you.
It seemed easy.
Steve had been taken off of "deposit duty" since the incident of the missing $500. The only 2 employees doing the deposit were myself, and a woman named Ashley. We both had agreed to work with Bill Johnson to help "bust John" and his stealing.
It was not easy.
It was anything but. (easy)
Bill (the investigator) sat in his car, outside in the parking lot - a few days a week. Other days, it was his co-workers. But, each day - he was either watching, listening, and doing something while I was sitting in that office, that led me to believe my entire experience while at the job, was under surveillance.
It was.
It was uncomfortable. And, it was nerve wracking.
When Ashley or I left with the deposit to go to the bank (that John had prepared) we were instructed to meet directly with Don, or whomever was on duty that day outside our office. They counted the money. And, finally -- almost a month later, $850 dollars was missing from my deposit. John tried to pin it on me. My boss had tried to steal the money and blame me. I turned red. I wanted to knock his lights out.
That day, John was led out of the office in handcuffs. The local police arrested him, and he put up no resistance when they walked in.
Then, a weird thing happened that I will NEVER EVER forget. John almost seemed relieved when they (police) came to his desk, and said his name. He stood up, and put his hands behind his back -- and the most relaxed look I had ever seen came upon his face. Almost a look that seemed like --
"Finally, the guilt and baggage is done with, and I'm free of the guilt."
That stuck with me. The look on his face made a deep impression on me, and one that I did not soon forget.
Recently, (over 20 years has past with no contact) I got an note email from John asking me to endorse him, and write a letter of recommendation for him. THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM HE WAS BEING LED OUT OF THE OFFICE IN HANDCUFFS. MY BOSS.
He was very congratulatory in writing to me, and saying he had been following my business. He is probably reading this.
I did not respond to his email.
I guess the look on his face that day (guilt somehow passing), and possibly the time that has elapsed has led him to believe that he paid his debts, and now the slate is wiped clean. Ironically, he was a good boss (a little over the top with the religious stuff) but, he did get a lot of productivity from our team.
Even though he was a thief.
No matter how much time goes by, I cant write him a recommendation letter. John, sorry - you wont be hearing from me.
But, for all of us -- we have relationships, friends, and people who DID NOT steal from us. People who did nothing like John did to Steve and I.
People who are in our past that we should be speaking with, helping out, or simply writing a recommendation for.
We each have people that we have come in contact with, that we need to express gratitude towards, for helping us become who we are.
Last year, I wrote a letter to my Grandmother. I saw a friend of mine yesterday wrote a heartfelt note to his brother, who was having surgery.
Don't wait. Take action. Seth Godin wrote the other day the following, which I found both profound and eye opening:
"The first thing you do when you sit down at the computer
Let me guess: check the incoming. Check email or traffic stats or messages from your boss. Check the tweets you follow or the FB status of friends.
You've just surrendered not only a block of time but your freshest, best chance to start something new.
If you're a tech company or a marketer, your goal is to be the first thing people do when they start their day. If you're an artist, a leader or someone seeking to make a difference, the first thing you do should be to lay tracks to accomplish your goals, not to hear how others have reacted/responded/insisted to what happened yesterday."
I am trying to use that time to be more productive and use it to express sincere gratitude at least once a day. An email, a phone call, to some one "outside" my daily contacts, at least once a day.
John, you wont be getting that reference letter you requested of me, but I will do one better. You inspired me to do it for many others. Not you.
In the end, I'm hopeful that this full circle of stealing, learning, and time -- has taught me to express more gratitude. I plan on putting it to good use immediately.
Thanks John.
Andy
PS. Steve you still owe me $500
PSS. John, you can use this blog post as your reference letter.
