I Trapped My Boss in an Escape Room

Throughout the past year, I have dedicated myself to my work with unwavering commitment. I took on challenging projects, put in extra hours, and constantly sought opportunities to contribute to the department’s success. As the annual review meeting unfolded, I sat nervously, waiting for the moment when the topic of a raise would arise. Unfortunately, that moment never came. The disappointment hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling crushed. Not getting a raise wasn’t just a financial blow; it also took an emotional toll on me. It was time for me to take matters into my own hands.

One week after the review, I scheduled a meeting with my boss. This time the meeting was not in her office; it was in a room in our facility she had never visited, a place that took me one week to prepare. I had hidden cameras and a large monitor on the wall. She unsuspectingly entered the room for a scheduled meeting, and the door locked behind her. Confused, she was now trapped in a whimsical puzzle of my making.

I appeared on the monitor, revealing my masterful prank and a surprising demand for a raise. My boss was furious, demanding to be released immediately. But I didn’t budge. She couldn’t leave until she gained insight into the hard work I put in and who I am as a person.

As my boss navigated through a series of puzzles, videos, and challenges, she came across heartfelt letters I received from customers and colleagues. She watched a video of me staying late at work to take on responsibilities that were outside of my role. She solved puzzles that revealed that I outperformed my colleagues over the last three years. Another video showed me finding alternative methods because our equipment was always broken. Each item showcased the dedication, creativity, and passion that went into my work. It was a revelation for her, who had been disconnected from my day-to-day efforts.

During her time in the escape room, she had the opportunity to reflect on her leadership style. She realized that her lack of engagement with me (and the team) had inadvertently created a sense of distance. The experience opened her eyes to the importance of fostering employee-boss relationships.

After what seemed like an eternity, my boss completed the escape room challenge, and the door opened. I was waiting outside with mixed emotions of anticipation and uncertainty. To my surprise, she thanked me for the eye-opening experience.

Did I get the raise? I not only got a raise, I was promoted.