Guest Post: Bernie Peters, “A Boss Named Mr. Stern”

Have you ever gone into a job just a little too confident? Bernie Pfeiffenberger’s first job was that way. I’m pleased to introduce her writing to the Red Letter Believer audience. Bernie is a widow/single mom excited about finding new adventure. Daily, she is challenged by the wisdom of the Bible and Oswald Chambers’ devotionals.She enjoys outdoor activities and cycling, especially going downhill.

I just knew I was ready.

I had all the proper training in bookkeeping, typing, office etiquette and short-hand.

My training included how to greet clients with a smile and to look and present myself

in a professional manner.  My new skills, not only represented me, but also my school.

My excitement could hardly be contained when the teacher from my high school work

program informed me I was chosen to fill the secretary/receptionist position at a small structural engineering company.  At the age of 17, I promised myself I would not

be intimidated, even though I would be working for four seasoned, professional male

engineers. 

They were a diverse group.

The youngest engineer, Mr. Jenson, was quiet and diligent to his tasks.  The co-owner, Mr. Maxwell, carried the torch of fun and laughter in the office.  I always enjoyed his presence.  I grew to admire the long-standing engineer, Mr. Morris, who was gentle and kind.  He was confined to a wheelchair.  Yet, he kept up with the rigorous demands of his job.  Perseverance?  You’ll not find a better example.

By contrast, the owner, Mr. Stern, was on edge most of the time.  He was always right to the point, painfully meticulous and precise.  I noticed his tense, horizontal lips seemed to struggle to move in the upward direction.

I soon discovered my straight A’s and speed in typing didn’t quite help me when I had to type page after page of technical terminology and symbols.  Nor, did it assist me in planning a Christmas party, all within a defined budget, for 150 people with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.  I hadn’t been exposed to the difference between red and white wine.  A screwdriver was a drink, too?

My biggest challenge came when I tried to balance the financial books, by hand, from the

previous receptionist. “Lord, I’ve gone over them at least 10 times, and they’re still out of balance by $10k.”  How would I explain this to Mr. Stern, meticulous, and precise?

His reaction was just as I had anticipated.  “What, you must be wrong, they can’t be off

that amount,” said Mr. Stern.   “We’ll send the books to my accountant, he knows what

he is doing and surely knows more about the subject than you do.”

How low and inadequate I felt for several weeks, thinking I may have failed to represent my school work program well.

Then the phone call came, my boss asked if I could stay a little later that day to discuss what the accountant found.  A thousand scenarios raced through my mind the rest of the

day.   At times, I had to hold back the tears since I wasn’t sure if I’d be sadly packing

up my desk that evening.

Finally, Mr. Stern asked me to step into his office to discuss the matter.  As I walked into

his office, he asked me to close the door and take a seat in front of him.  Moments

waiting for him to gather his papers seemed like hours as I watched his emotionless face with no smile in sight.

As he lowered his glasses and looked at me, a very large and rare grin appeared on his

face and to my surprise, he ended up thanking me for being so diligent in discovering

the accounting error, but could not locate.  He said the accountant confirmed the error

I had discovered and adjusted the books.

After our discussion, my heart was lightened and I think I grew a few inches that day in

my spirit and confidence.  It reminded me of the Verse:

I Timothy 4:12   “Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

It was nice to receive a rare smile from my boss with a card of appreciation and an added

bonus for a job well done.