Dan’s colleague, Calvin, was on the offensive.
Indignant that their senior leader had announced, without warning, a significant change in direction for the organisation, Calvin was angry.
‘It’s inappropriate,’ Calvin protested.
'I don't know what it's like to be sued, but it happens all the time in our world. He's been able to settle out of court, which is a whole lot less stress than a trial. And that's all the other side wanted. So, it's over.'
'Yeah,' Dan nodded. 'My lawyer was right.'
‘Is it really his right, as founder,' continued Calvin, 'to run the show as he sees fit in the moment? You can dress it up however you like, you can call it a divine call if you want, but when he’s had to fork out thousands of dollars because of his poor advice. It feels a lot like we’re paying the price for his mistake. It’s offensive. It’s demoralising. And it’s unsafe for staff who are qualified, competent, and committing themselves to an organisation in good faith, only to have responsibility, opportunity and predictability ripped out from under them!'
Dan had never seen Calvin like this and told him, “Calvin, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this fired up.’
‘So frustrated‘, agreed Calvin. ‘If it’s not the last straw, it’s the second to last one. Or the second to last camel or something. Anyway, George is oblivious to the anxiety and stress he causes. He needs to be careful that we don’t all just walk out.‘
Not buying in, Dan commented, ‘You’ve poured yourself into this project Calvin.‘
‘Yes, I have,’ Calvin agreed. Dan thought he saw the hint of a tear appearing in his workmate’s eye. ‘I really thought I could facilitate something positive.’
‘And you have,’ affirmed Dan.
‘I did,’ countered Calvin.
Noting the change in tense, Dan offered, ‘I don’t think it’s over yet.’
Calvin sighed. ‘You haven’t had your meeting yet have you.’
Ninety minutes later Dan was in George’s office.
Dan had set himself two goals and he wanted to get the first one out of the way early. ‘George,’ he began, ‘we haven’t caught up for a few days and I just wanted to say how sorry I am about the lawsuit.’
‘Thanks Dan,’ said George, considering the comment for a fraction of a second. He appeared to have a rehearsed presentation that he was keen to get into. ‘Let me first, ah, acknowledge the significant amount of work you and the Next Level team have done.’ Over Dan’s thanks he continued his speech.
For the next several minutes Dan felt as though he was hearing a sales pitch. At the same time, he wouldn’t have been surprised if a henchman in a white jacket arrived with a briefcase of torture instruments. Perhaps an evil cackle-of-a-laugh would have been more engaging than terms such as, ‘more thorough approval processes…reduced risk…improved accountability…smoother audit…clearer structures.’
Dan was keeping his breathing as slow as possible. George reached the end of his monologue and asked about roadblocks Dan could see.
Dan paused for as long as he dared and then, calmly and deferentially, responded, ‘George, you’ve worked very hard on your plan and there are clear benefits for GPK. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m not sure how we can wind the Next Level project back. Sorry.’
Dan would later admit that he didn’t have a plan beyond this point. Immediate termination and henchmen were both reasonable outcomes. Perhaps this was George’s opportunity to eat Dan’s head.
All far more entertaining options than the ensuing silence that seem to last for hours, but which was probably only for a second or two.
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