Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Derek stands beside Jansen and leans against a strip of wall between the tall windows that face out to the front of the building. Both of them look at me expectantly, reminding me that their time is valuable.
I take another deep breath and launch into my planned discussion. “Filling open positions will be my first priority, of course, but we need to put an equal focus into retaining employees. Your staffing issues are never going to improve if people continue to quit at above-average rates.
“I don’t expect attracting applicants to be a problem, because as you know, the Community Bean product has an excellent reputation, and the company’s charitable initiatives are something a lot of people want to be a part of. The coffee is top quality, the sustainable sourcing practices are the best in the business, and above all that, the company makes a real difference in the world, improving the lives of the people in the community.”
All of this is very true, and of course, the men already know all of it, but I’m hoping that stroking their egos will help with the next part.
Why did I have to think about stroking? And filling … and positions? Why does all this standard corporate speak suddenly sound so deliciously filthy? Focus, Ana!
“We need those same driven people to want to stay here long term, so that your growth isn’t impeded by staffing issues, and so you don’t have to put so much repeated effort into hiring and training. People should enjoy working here, and they should be able to take pride in contributing to the company’s mission.”
Jansen’s mouth isn’t quite as scowly as it was when I came in, and Derek’s head nods in a nearly imperceptible movement, encouraging me to go on.
“I’m going to put together a list of ideas for boosting retention, and I’m hopeful you’ll both be on board with those efforts.” There’s no response to this, but I keep going. “I spent a good part of the day yesterday reviewing exit interview notes, and there was one dominant issue that kept reappearing.” Still no response, except for a slight narrowing of Jansen’s eyes. “Some changes to your management style may be necessary to support these goals.”
Derek’s brows lift. “Our management style?”
I uncross my ankles, then cross them again in the opposite direction as I lean forward. “People need to be provided with thorough training, and they need to be given grace. People need to be given a chance to succeed.”
“If someone’s doing shit work, they’re going to hear about it,” Jansen says.
Keeping my voice level and calm, I say, “Of course, and there’s a proper time and way to discuss their performance.”
“Some people don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt,” Derek says.
“Not every hire is going to perform the way you hope, but most people have the ability to do great work and add to the company’s success.”
“You’re far too optimistic.” Derek’s arms cross in front of his chest, and I avert my eyes from what that move does to his biceps.
“I am optimistic, and I’m also realistic. Being both is not only possible but highly effective.” There’s so much I purposely leave unsaid about their pessimism.
Getting to my feet, I say, “I know you’ll both agree that when a particular approach isn’t getting the right results, changes need to be made. I’ll get back to you later today with a list of job postings for your approval, and then I’ll formalize ideas for employee retention, so we can keep the new people that we hire.”
I’m offered another barely-there nod from Derek as Jansen’s scowl returns.
“Have a good day, both of you. Please reach out if I can help you with anything.”
I escort myself out, knowing I’m not going to get more of a response from them, and absolutely certain that their eyes are on my backside as I leave.
The IT guy is passing by as I leave Jansen’s office, and he adjusts his amble to match my quicker pace. “Good morning, Ana. How are you?”
“Good, Charles. How are you today?”
Instead of answering my question, he asks, “Were you meeting with Jansen?”
“Jansen and Derek both, actually.”
Rather than saying anything in response, Charles holds eye contact a bit too long, and I can’t decide if he’s trying to flirt, or if he’s just awkward. I hope it’s the latter, since I already have enough complications at this job.
“I was headed to the break room. Want a coffee?” he asks.
“Oh, no thanks. I already have a drink in my office, but you enjoy.” No need to mention that the drink in my office is water. Not being a coffee drinker is almost as much of a dirty little secret as my other indiscretions.
“See you later, Ana.”
After giving me a tentative smile, he cuts off to the right, and I’m free to return to basking in the buzzy feeling of excitement I got from talking to Derek and Jansen. I almost want to say from confronting them, though I tried really hard not to have it come off like a confrontation. I think I did fairly well, especially considering how distracting they both are.