“You get here at seven every day. That’s an eight hour day, Alicia. Why not try it for a while and see how it works out? What do you see as the obstacles?”
“Well, I don’t have anyone to help me. I think if I could get these new systems put in, I could do it, if Judy could help. I really don’t know, Rachel.”
“Okay, here’s where I come in. Let’s get you some temporary support until the new systems are in with the understanding that you are out of here, rain or shine, every day at four thirty. Since you’re a person who keeps her commitments, that should be a promise you make to yourself as well as to your family.”
“Yes, but who could help me? If I have to train someone...”
“Here’s what I’m thinking, Alicia. I’ll call PWE and see if they can loan us one of the people you worked with there, say for a week or so. I also think Judy would love to pick up some of the work you are doing. She’s been begging for something more to keep her busy, and if you hand off some of the reports, it will be a learning experience for her as well. The hardest part for you might be having confidence in the work of other people, but that’s an important step because nobody functions well without responsibility. If Judy is to do a good job, she has to feel that it’s hers to do. That means your resisting over-managing and rechecking everything.”
“I do that, I know, but my mother taught me to look things over—as many times as it takes to get them right.”
“If you’re going to succeed in this and not drive Judy to distraction, you’re going to have to let go of some of the rechecking and change the way you work. That isn’t going to be easy for you, but it’s good practice for parenting too.” I decided this would be a good time to emphasize my own struggles to let go. “What I’m learning over time,” I said, “is letting go is hard to do but absolutely essential, if you want others to grow. I must admit I’m still working on it with my son Brad, and I’m getting plenty of practice. I keep wanting to mother him back to school, and Paul keeps posting ‘danger’ signs. Thank goodness I can read them—most of the time.”
NOTES TO MENTORING FILE
_____________________________
Counseling on Personal Problems
Don’t—unless you have a license that says you’re qualified to do it. Neither should you ignore personal issues. There is really no way to separate personal life from work life particularly when one is impacting the other. So, here are the steps you can take:
1. Focus on the impact that the issues are having on the individual.
2. Listen and ask thoughtful questions to help the person think through her problems and clarify the issues.
3. Help the person develop a list of options. Be willing to suggest others.
4. Provide referrals, if needed, to qualified professionals.
CHAPTER 16
Transitions and
Changes
You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing in.
— Heraclitus
The next week was relatively uneventful. Word had trickled back through Judy that the marketing calls on “old” customers had gone well last week and that the new vitamin mini-caps were promising to be “hot.” The marketers returned on Monday, off-loaded their sales and expense information to Alicia and holed up in their offices to make the second round of contacts. Between their phone calls, I was able to spend a few minutes with Tom. Justin had done well. He grinned, “I told the kid, I mean Justin, Ms. Rachel, so don’t look at me that way—that if he took a few deep breaths and didn’t panic, all would be well. Father Tom knows the score. Anyway, he is a natural. Now we’re getting ready for the big tour. We’re gonna move out of the minors,” he said turning back to pick up the phone.
Justin confirmed what Tom had said. “I think I’m getting the hang of it, Rachel. Tom’s a good teacher—for an old man.” I could see they understood each other. As for me, time to exit stage left.
I dropped by to see Katy. Stuart had worked with her one full day, and he was helpful. Katy seemed self-assured. “It was fun, Rachel,” she told me. “I’m ready to go for it on my own.” She was leaving for Florida Tuesday. She had already made contacts at Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa. “They seemed very interested, particularly when I mentioned the mini-gelcaps. I’m not much on those giant size vitamins that feel like you’re putting a stone down your throat.”
I nodded. “You know the secret of selling is loving the product. If you come back looking too rested, though, I’m going to wonder how the beaches were.”
She grinned. “I’ll put on my stressed-out look for you, Rachel. Then you’ll never guess, because I always have a sun tan.” We both laughed.
My last stop was at Stuart’s office. He was blasé. Yes, things were fine. No, there was nothing he needed. Had I talked with Elroy about his coming up there? I had, and Elroy was on vacation. If he still wanted to go by Perry Winkle, I could get one of my colleagues to show him around. He didn’t and said thanks anyway.
Things had settled down with Alicia. She had been leaving every day by four thirty, and Judy had taken over one report and all the scheduling. For my part, I had called Ira Sharp, Human Resources Manager and my supervisor, who promised to see if he could arrange for Joanne Jackson to spend a week or two in Houston helping Alicia. He thought she would enjoy coming since she had a sister or somebody living here that she visited frequently. He could make no promises, but he would do his best. Besides, the computing manager owed him a favor. He’d sent one of our trainers there to help design a new workshop. He’d call back as soon as he knew, and I was to keep my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, I heard good news from Ira. Joanne Jackson, who had worked with Alicia at Perry Winkle, was at the end of a project and would be here next week. She could spend one week, but that was all. Alicia was thrilled. That night, I called Paul. Did he want to come up here this weekend? He did and finished with an update on Brad. As forecast, our son had quit his pizza job. Had Paul given him my letter yet? Not yet, he told me. He wanted to wait until Brad had more time to focus on it. He was now happily waiting tables at the Rainbow Inn. He and the manager got along well (it had been three days), and he was sure he could move up to assistant manager before long. I sighed, “Same song, second verse.”
“Well, maybe,” Paul replied, “but remember, he brings the lessons of his previous jobs with him.” I hoped so. And there was more. Brad needed some new clothes for this job. The waiters all wore white dress shirts, black slacks and black loafers with tassels. Dress was important because the Rainbow Inn was upscale from his former jobs. Of course, what wasn’t! The restaurant supplied the ties.
“You didn’t.” I said, knowing Paul had come up with more money for Brad’s wardrobe.
“I did,” he responded. Then, to my sigh, he added, “but I told him it’s the last until he goes to school.”
“Good,” I responded. “We can’t afford to keep him working.”
What about the apartment? He was still there. “He comes here more often though,” Paul reported.
“Really?”
“Yep, we have a washer and dryer without slots.”
So now my son had advanced in his career. He was serving catch of the day. I longed to send him back to school, but I knew Paul was right. If he decided to go, he would have to do it because he wanted it. If he went to please us, we would merely bankroll his half-hearted efforts.
My weekend with Paul was a triumph of negotiation. I allowed him to convince me to let the situation with Brad take its natural course (which I had already decided to do), and he let me persuade him to stop bankrolling Brad (which Paul had already decided to do). When the subject of our son came up, it was discussed for five minutes, then laid to rest for the weekend. Saturday night we went with the Powells to the Houston symphony and then to a late dinner. I was feeling great, but when Paul left on Sunday evening it was raining, and I realized how lonely I was without him. The holidays were coming up, and I began to think ab
out when I would return to Oakville.
Monday morning was one of those beautiful fall days right after a rain when the sky is just a little bluer than before and the air is cooler and fresher. As I drove to work, I was filled with anticipation. The Marketers would be returning today, and although they would be working in their offices, I had noticed how quiet the place was without them, almost like a return to the way it had been when I first arrived. It was their absence that had suddenly awakened me to the level of energy I was finally seeing—a very healthy sign, for which I did not credit myself. Forces of change were at play. Altis was leaving, and although it had not been officially announced, people knew it. Also, PWE had finally shown some credible interest in its acquisition of the vitamin company as evidenced by Elroy’s impending visit on Wednesday. I had made up my mind to take advantage of my time with him to talk about going home.
As soon as I settled in for the day and filled my cup with tea, I decided to pay Lily Sheldon a visit. I knew Elroy would want to talk with her, and I decided to give her some advance notice on what I thought his interests might be. While I still thought Lily typical of some Human Resource Managers that I have known, that is, principally an administrator, I had softened my opinion quite a bit when we talked about Alicia’s dilemma and Justin’s salary, for she had been helpful and sympathetic. As for Elroy’s visit, she was pleased he was coming and said she’d be ready if the questions of pay and benefits were raised. As I left, she told me she appreciated my letting her know, and I gathered her opinion of the leader of the “picture rebellion,” had likewise softened.
Early in the afternoon, the pace began to quicken. Joanne arrived from PWE and after a short visit with me was off to make Alicia’s life better; the Marketers began emerging from their office cocoons, and Justin came by to tell me he, Katy, Stuart and Tom had been congregating in Tom’s office to review their trips. I decided that the level of energy I was seeing and hearing bespoke positive results, and I left everyone to themselves, not wanting to interrupt the flow. Before leaving that evening, I went by Alicia’s office to make sure she was gone. She and Joanne had disappeared, leaving a do-not-disturb sign on Alicia’s door. I smiled. It looked like all was well.
Tuesday afternoon, a delegation of Tom, Justin, and Katy dropped by. Stuart was working in his office, they told me. I understood. They were excited about the results. Some of the meetings with potential new customers had been just that, but there were orders as well, and the new product was generating interest. Once the advertising campaign started, things would be looking even more positive. For my part, I reminded everyone of Elroy’s visit. He had told me he was going to find a few minutes to chat with each person, and I hoped they would all be available Wednesday or Thursday. I really wasn’t sure of his schedule. Elroy, as I have said before, is not a man who counts his days out in minutes. While that impetuosity can make him exciting to be around, it is a source of dread for most who try to work his schedule during visits. I wasn’t doing it, having been burnt before.
Not unexpectedly, he burst in my office Wednesday morning just after ten. He had arrived at nine and rented a car at the airport, having rejected my offer to meet his plane. “Been to Houston before. Rotten traffic,” he had told me. “No reason for you to be out in it, Rachel. I’ll come by to see you after I spend some time with Altis. Don’t wait for lunch. I’m taking him to a quiet place— to talk.” Goodbye, Altis.
The Fate of TYH
True to his word, Elroy returned slightly after two. Things were moving, he said. They always did when “the bear” was around. “You’ve done good things here, Rachel,” he told me. “I stopped by and visited with Lily Sheldon for a few minutes. I’m going to spend more time with her tomorrow afternoon when I get back from Sugar Land. One thing about it, everyone has noticed what you’ve accomplished.”
“I haven’t done that much,” I said.
“Don’t be too self-effacing,” he told me. “I know you. You’ve certainly stirred the pot. Rachel, I guess you know Altis is leaving. As a matter of fact, he plans to be gone by the end of November. Then, there’s going to be a reorganization at the top of TYH.”
“So, can you tell me?”
“To Your Health is getting a new President, a fellow named Chris Butler. I don’t think you know him. Chris headed up Legend Pharmaceuticals, and they have about fifty health food stores as part of their chain. He’s innovative, can turn on a dime, and has vision. We were lucky to get him.”
“Well, I’ve certainly heard of Legend.”
“They are a great company. Chris is a leader, and he’ll have things humming around here. Just watch him. I’ve got his word he’ll stay on for at least three to four years, time to groom his successor.”
“What about the CEO, Elroy? Who’s getting that job?”
“That’s part of the reorg, Rachel. Since TYH is a subsidiary, and in my division, I’ve been named CEO. Now, that doesn’t represent a radical change for the company or for me. I’ll stay in Oakville and continue as Division Vice President, but I’ll come down to board meetings. Beyond that, it’ll be Chris’ baby. He won’t be here officially until January 15, but he’ll come visiting right after Christmas, and you’ll be near the top of the list.” My heart sank. I didn’t want to be here after Christmas. “One more thing that might interest you. Your friend Charlie Rothstein is destined for greatness. He’s put the Sugar Land plant in the black. We’re moving him up to Vice President with continuing responsibility for the plant, but we’ll be asking him to help us choose his successor.”
“That’s great,” I said. “I don’t know anyone more deserving.”
The Offer
“Now as for you, my friend,” continued Elroy, “how would you like to be Marketing Manager?”
I swallowed hard. I hated to disappoint Elroy. “I’d love it, but I want to go back to Oakville,” I said.
“Is that a firm no?” he asked. “Would you like to think about it, say for a couple of days? Talk it over with Paul?”
“I don’t need to,” I responded. “It is a firm no. I don’t mind being ‘on the point’ for you any time, but I want to go back to Oakville before Paul starts using my side of the bed for his clothes.”
“Sure?”
“Positive.”
“I’ve got a couple of good candidates in mind, but I wanted to give you first crack at it.”
“And I appreciate that. When do you plan to fill the spot?”
“December 1st. If you can make it through the month, you’ll be permanently home before Christmas. How’s that?”
I smiled. “Just right. Can you tell me who you’re going to name?”
“When I know for sure, you’ll be the first one I tell.”
That was good enough for me. “Do you want to meet the Marketers?”
“Yes,” he responded, “but keep your seat. I’ll just walk around and introduce myself.” He rose. “Got any plans for dinner tonight? I’d like to talk more, after I meet everyone. And you can have your pick where.” I didn’t have any plans, and so we agreed that we would leave for dinner right after work. Then Elroy could return to his hotel and make some calls, and I could tell Paul the good news.
I saw Elroy once again at the end of the day. He had dropped by to see Lily, and she walked back to my office with him, grinning from ear to ear. Elroy has that effect when he wants to.
“We’re going to look at the salary system tomorrow,” said Lily. Then in a conspiratorial half-whisper, she added, “It’s going to change after... you know what I mean.” She smiled at me and winked. I knew. It always feels great to be part of “the club.”
Dinner was at The Taste of Texas, one of Houston’s better steak places. “That Katy is something else,” Elroy said, pausing between bites of a luscious tomato and Roquefort cheese salad. She’s a go-getter, isn’t she, Rachel?”
“I think she is,” I responded.
“She and I talked about her eventually transferring to PWE, and I think that’
s probably in the cards later on, maybe a year or two down the line. She says she’d probably prefer to stay in Houston or move to a location in one of the larger cities, because of her social life and all. I liked Tom Gaines too. He’s happy where he is and I might add a member of your fan club. He says you’re a good leader. I told him I knew that. I stopped by and waved at Alicia. She and I met last month, so I didn’t spend any time with her. Besides, I noticed Joanne had come to visit.”
“Yes, Ira arranged to have her here for a week, and believe me, I’m grateful.”
“Justin seems like a nice young man, too. Rachel, he looks too darn young to be married and a father. I think I’m getting old.”
“Then I probably shouldn’t admit it, but he looks young to me too. Still, I think he’s got a lot of natural talent. Charlie Rothstein has his eye on him for a later assignment to the plant.”
“Tom Gaines thinks he has potential. So do I. Anyway, Justin credits you with bringing him in to Marketing and helping him get a good start. I think he wants to adopt you. You’ll have to go home and tell Brad he’s got competition.”
“I like him too. I think he’s going to be a super salesman. Tom is really helping him. Did Justin mention his concerns about his salary?”
“No, but I did. I told him things were going to change in the near future. He liked that. As a matter of fact, I carried that message to Lily Sheldon. She doesn’t like the system either. Says it’s a real de-motivator.”
“And did you talk to Stuart?”
He nodded. The waiters arrived, removed our salad plates and came back with two sizzling rib eyes. “Rachel, I told him that there were always possibilities at Perry Winkle for those who earned them. I also told him that I trusted you implicitly, and if someone wanted to impress me, he first had to impress you.” I was silent. I don’t know what I had been hoping, but I felt the situation with Stuart was about to get worse. “Have you decided what you want to do about him yet?” Elroy asked.
The Art of Mentoring Page 21