Peter had asked to see me alone before he left
"Why did you do it Josh? I thought we were getting on fine."
I suspected a trap and I certainly wasn't going to admit anything
"You did this to yourself Peter"
He looked as if he was going to cry.
A few weeks earlier I had been worried. It seemed inevitable that the situation between Peter and myself would become common knowledge. I thought I had the solution though.
Peter was good at his job. There was no reason why I shouldn't recommend him for promotion, for him to take on a wider range of responsibility.
So I asked him.
"Peter, I know you work hard. I am sure you could use more money. I could get it for you if you agree to take on more."
He smiled.
"And you want me to spend it on you"
I was glad he took it that way and had the grace to look a little embarrassed.
"Well to please you Josh, I will. What did you have in mind?"
So I outlined my plans. Increased involvement in strategic planning, more staff management, responsibility for controlling the bank accounts. It was clear that this was a considerable promotion and I could see that Peter was excited.