What a long day. This Jenson deal is a real headscratcher. I think it could be huge. It could also be a huge disaster. I've really got to get this one right.
Not just for myself. A lot of people count on me to make big decisions. I don't care about the money, I just want to build something that lasts. That helps people improve their lives. That's why I started Diamond Technical.
Ok, revisit our values:
-Honesty is always the best policy.
-Loyalty is paramount to success.
-Hard work conquers all.
These three simple values might seem basic but they were the bedrock of my beliefs and our company. They'd served me well over the years. And something seems off about this deal I'm staring at...
"Hey Sam! We got the purchase order from Quality Parts. Want to review it?"
Huh? I looked up startled to see Robert. One of my key employees, a true testament to our rules. He had been through a tough cycle of big corporate jobs that burned him out & left him broken. Those companies used him up, fed him lies then dumped him. Everything I was trying to change as we built Diamond bigger and bigger.
I smiled, he was a real success story.
"No, I trust you Robert. Way to go!"
"Thanks boss! Appreciate you giving me the opportunity."
"How many times have I said don't call me 'boss'? We all work hard around here."
"Sorry sorry, that reminds me. We aren't all working hard unfortunately."
"Huh?"
"That new girl, Mandy Watson. Its already 1:00pm and she's only entered in 3 sets of data."
New girl, my mind blanked. I was often guilty of being lost in my own world when a big deal was on the table.
"Huh? That is slow. I hate that for her but stick with the usual routine if she doesn't improve. Its honestly the best thing for her too if she doesn't fit here."
"Got it, bos- err Sam. Give her a week then tell the temp agency its not working. Ya know, I've been thinking. We're really good at hiring & this is a great place to work. Maybe we should lose the temp agency that keeps sending us slow worker & hire ourselves? I've even got a great candidate actually! Very hard worker."
I appreciated Robert's honesty. Maybe I wasn't valuing the data entry position enough. Maybe I was over-valuing not having to let someone go; something I hated.
I always see the best in people & I hate it when something doesn't work out.
The temp agency made it so easy but I'd never handle key employees like Robert that way. Maybe he was right.
"Hmm... that just may be a good idea. Give this one a week & if nothing changes, do that!"
Robert smiled and left just as my cell rang.
I smiled picking it up, "Hey honey! Yeah busy day but its looking up. Robert just closed a big deal and had a pretty good idea. No no, I shouldn't be home too late. Perfect, love ya bye!"
Penelope. My beautiful wife. We'd met young and been blissfully married over a decade. She was the center of my world. Beautiful, smart, full of integrity. I knew right away. She never wanted this busy lifestyle that came with your husbamd building a company but she supported me anyway. We were happy- no financial stress as we lived well below our means, we still laughed together and enjoyed our time. There was only one thing missing: children to expand our love. We planned to have kids, it just hadn't happened yet. The timing just hadn't been right but soon-
"Knock knock! I thought the boss might need an afternoon treat... something to perk you up! Melt away that stress- Starbucks latte?"
I looked up confused. Who was this woman? She looked vaguely familiar. A blonde with an odd smile on her face. This must be... Mandy? I paused as I put two and two together, always making sure to be in control & thoughtful.
"No thank you, Mandy is it? I don't like that fancy coffee but I appreciate the offer. I hope your first day is going well, glad to have you here. Just some friendly advice: hard work conquers all. Follow that and have integrity and you'll do great here."
She nodded, still standing there. I thought it was clear that was her cue to exit.
"Oh and no need to call me boss. We all work hard here and that's what matters. Enjoy your coffee."
She smiled, "Ok... Mr. Not the Boss haha. I like that, that's sweet. Well, just let me know if you change your mind about needing that afternoon pick-me-up."
I went back to my work. I need to get my head around this Jenson deal. This spreadsheet seems off somehow.
But twenty minutes later I was interrupted again.
"Knock knock, Not Boss! Here's your muffin."
"Huh? Oh um there must be some mistake. I didn't ask for a muffin."
She laughed. "I know, you just look so stressed! And who doesn't love a warm, gooey, soft muffin to put your hard...teeth into."
