My business has grown to a point where I need to hire a new person to take on the administrative and scheduling tasks so that I can free up time to do the work that brings the money in. I've decided to place an ad in the local paper.
Thinking about it I believe a woman would work better than a man as I believe they are more focused, responsible, and insightful. It will be hard having someone else to manage as I've always worked alone and don't enjoy being a manager.
The ad reads, " Help wanted. Growing business needs office help. A person who has good, strong organizational skills, is a self-starter, and can be efficient in scheduling and record keeping. One person business looking to grow to two person. Vital that the candidate be able to work on their own, show strong initiative, and can wear the many hats required to work for a successful business owner".
A few days go by after posting the ad and I've had some calls. 3 men and two women. I ask them to forward resume's. I know already I do not want a man for help so I call back only the two women and set up interviews.
The first interview goes well. The woman is articulate and appears to have the skills required to do the job. She seems to be able to follow direction well. She's married and has two young children at home. This is a little bit of a concern knowing how demanding young children can be on one's time. She is put together in appearance, but seems a little 'soft' around the edges. Not sure she will self start enough of be aggressive enough in business even though she seems like she can do the administrative parts of the job.
The second candidate arrives for her interview. This is you. A first reaction I have is that she looks young and I wonder if you have the skills and life experience to be strong enough to take things on yourself. You sit down across from me. I notice you're dressed and put together well and you seem very confident in yourself. These are important as you will be seen by clients and work with them.
I ask you questions guided toward your experience and maturity because of the age issue. You assure me that you are mature for your age and are strong enough for the position. As you talk I notice something in your eyes. You look right into me and although I meet your gaze directly as I am older and will be your boss...I have to look away because your eyes are so intense and penetrating. When I look back up you have a faint smile as if you know what just happened.
I suddenly feel something in my stomach. Not sure what it is. It makes me feel uneasy, but at the same time makes me want to hear more about you. As you talk about yourself you never take your eyes off mine even though I have to divert my gaze many times. As you talk about your qualities you twist the conversation into talking about your philosophy of a woman's strength vs. a man's.
I listen and get quiet because I start to feel your strength and have never hears a woman talk like this. You tell me, without ever blinking an eye, that you know that I can use your help and that you know you are what I need. I ask what you mean by what I need.
You look right at me and tell me......you are what I need on a number of levels. You will run my office with efficiency and professionalism. You will run it to the point that I will need you. I ask need you how. You say to me...that I know what you're talking about...and when you say this
I start to feel weak in your presence. I answer to you...yes I do know. You simply say, "good". You then begin to tell me that you will be hired by me and we will run the business together under your guidance. I am at a loss as to how to respond.
I finally say..well we've talked enough. I will let you know what decision I've made in the next two days. We stand up and you shake my hand firmly. Still looking directly into me. You take a step toward me as we shake and you place my hand on your large breast. I step back some, but you tell me to touch it. I do as you say. You tell me I'm a good boy. I just respond...yes and that you are very strong. You tell me I have no idea. I ask what you mean.
You grab me by the hair and tell me to get to my knees. I say no and you slap me hard and tell me to again. I do as you demanded. I don't even really understand what is happening. As I get to my knees and you hold me by the hair you look right into me and tell me you are taking the job. And I say yes Kristen. You say...no...it it will be Mistress always except in front of clients. You slap me after you say it. I say I have never had a woman act like this. You tell me to lick your shoes and I do....my heart racing..my stomach flipping.