Dave’s first day on the job created much excitement as he was shown around the department and introduced to the staff. There was a buzz about the new person who had been hired away from a larger player in the industry, someone who would help them regain some of the lost ground resulting from the problematic new product introduction cycles. Everyone came out to greet Dave and all who met him immediately liked him. He had an engaging personality, good looks, and projected rock-solid confidence, not to mention his strong technical background in the company’s major research area.
After introducing Dave around, Frank took him to his new office. “Oh,” muttered Dave, disappointed in what he saw. “I thought it would be a little closer to the action,” he paused, “and a tad bigger.”
“Well, we’re growing very rapidly and office space is at a premium,” offered Frank, wondering why he was feeling apologetic, “but you’ll be moving around soon enough as we’re always shuffling staff around. In fact, it’s quite the joke here.”
Dave wasn’t amused, but as he turned to face Frank, he threw on a smile and said, “That’s great! So, I better settle in and start being productive!”
Frank returned to his office and continued with his schedule of meetings, report writing, and phone calls. He would pick up Dave around 1:30 and take him to lunch in the company cafeteria—actually a high-quality restaurant offering free food to employees. And perhaps, if he could, he would take him over to the executive wing and introduce him to Jack Garrideb, founder and CEO, if he was available.
The morning went quickly as Frank immersed himself in his work. Marge, his secretary, startled him when she came to the door about 1:15. “Frank, Victoria from Mr. Garrideb’s office called; he’d like you to come over right now,” she said, adding before his next question, “she didn’t say what it was about.” Frank picked up his project book and calendar, and grabbed his suit jacket from behind the door, putting it on as he hurried down the hall. He decided to look in on Dave as he passed his office to tell him that their lunch might be postponed a bit. Dave wasn’t there, so Frank continued, his thoughts returning to what projects he had outstanding and what Jack might need of him on such short notice.
Arriving at the executive suite, which was at the other end of the complex, Frank went to Victoria’s desk. “Hi, Vicki, so am I in trouble again?” he joked.
“You know you’re never in trouble when it comes to Mr. Garrideb. You’re still his favorite,” she joked back. Vicki and Frank started with Garrideb Technologies on the same day, many years ago, and they had been friends since. The company culture was friendly, relaxed, and informal, but the executive wing was always daunting because of the big-company aura everyone thought they had to project to visitors or potential clients.
Jack Garrideb saw Frank standing at Vicki’s desk through his open door and waved him in. Frank noticed that Jack had someone sitting in his office, but couldn’t see much of him in the plush leather chair. “Hey, Frank, I’ve just been talking to one of yours,” said Jack. Dave got up and turned around. “Another good choice!” continued Jack. “Things in R&D are going to really start rocking if your new associate has anything to do with it!”
Frank was startled to see Dave in the CEO’s office. “Well, Jack, we have to keep up with the marketing guys who keep promising customers products that don’t exist yet.”
“Good luck, Dave; you’re now working for the best person in the business,” said Jack, as Frank and Dave took their leave.
“Nice guy,” said Dave as they headed down the hall toward the cafeteria.
Frank’s thoughts were already back on the project report he had been writing when Victoria’s call interrupted him. “You’re lucky that he was in today; he travels too much.”
Discussion Questions