The Promotion Part I

“All right, are we done here?” Rob Felding glanced around the conference room as he started gathering his papers.

“One more thing,” said Helen Johnson, the head of HR. “Susan Addams just turned in her two weeks’ notice so we have an opening in the sales department. I was thinking Margaret Mann would be a really great addition to the sales team.”

“Or Max Burton,” Alex Williams said quickly. “He’s done exemplary work in the customer service department. He’s been aggressive about taking on more responsibility and I think he’s more than ready for the next challenge.”

“Margaret has been with the company longer and her work ethic is outstanding,” said Helen. “She’s been working overtime for months to get the Wilson account integrated smoothly. It’s past time we show our appreciation.”

“Max has also been coming in early, leaving late, and working through his lunch break since he started here,” said Alex. “Isn’t it time we promote based on skill, rather than just seniority?”

“Margaret doesn’t just have seniority, she has the experience and the skills necessary to become a great sales associate.”

“Listen to that. ‘Become a great sales associate.’ Max already has everything he needs to get the job done. He knows the accounts inside and out.”

“So does Margaret.”

Rob held up a hand. “All right, you two, that’s enough for now. You can each go back to your desks and write a list of strengths and weaknesses of each applicant. If you’re so convinced your candidate is the best, convince me and George,” he gestured to the head of the sales team. “Any other announcements, Helen?”

Helen shook her head, but she was looking at Alex, who was avoiding looking at her.

“Great. Then we’re done here. I want your lists by the end of the week. And schedule times for George to interview each of them.”

On his way back to his office, Alex called Max to follow him and close the office door behind him. Once the door was closed, Alex said, “There’s an opening in sales.”

“Cool. Who’s leaving?”

“Susan.”

“Susan? Bummer! She always tells the best stories. I’m really gonna miss her.”

“Not if you get her job, won’t.”

“Sure, I will. Don’t get me wrong, I want the job, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to miss Susan.”

He paused.

“Does this mean I really have a shot at her job?”

“I think you’d be perfect for the job, but Helen is pushing for Margaret Mann.”

“Oh.”

“Stop that.” Alex pointed a finger at Max as he sat down and pulled his chair up to his desk. “Acting like you’ve already lost the job is exactly what will lose you the job.”

“But Margaret has so much more experience than I do. She’s been here for years and she kicks ass.”

“So do you. You have to remember that. Now, let’s get to work.”

“OK, I was just looking at this memo on the Wilson account, and–”

“No, not that work. We have to get to work on promoting you for this new job.”

“Oh. But wouldn’t the best way to do that be by doing a good job on the job I have right now?”

Already looking at his computer screen, Alex waved a dismissive hand. “You’ve already done that. What we need to do now is prove you’re a better candidate than Margaret.”

“Am I a better candidate than Margaret?”

Alex looked back at his protégé. “What did I say about that kind of thinking?”

“Sorry. It’s just that she’s worked really hard, too. Maybe I should just let her have this one and wait for the next round?”

Alex’s hand dropped onto his desk and his jaw practically went with it as he looked at Max.

Max returned his gaze for a supremely awkward moment before Alex collected himself. “Look, Max, I can’t help you win this promotion if you won’t work with me here.”

“Sorry. What do you want me to do?”

“George is going to be interviewing both you and Margaret for the position, so the first thing we have to do is start preparing you for that interview. Now George may say he’s progressive, but he’s really very old fashioned, so we’ll want to appeal to that side of him. Why are you not writing all of this down?”

“Right. Sorry.” Max grabbed a notebook and pen and dutifully wrote down everything Alex said.

To be continued …