Note: I wrote this in March 2007, but didn’t publish it at the time. As far as I know “Leo” is still working for my previous employer. There was a price in saving Leo.
The day started at 6am, with me speaking with a USA based co-worker.
The day finished at 9pm with me speaking with a UK-based co-worker.
I love working for a Global IT company, NOT.
I do have a couple of work practices that I try and live by:
- always try and have a “win” on Fridays.
- avoid those people who schedule meetings on Friday afternoons, they are a waste of space
- OA5, which was something I picked up from a Dilbert book.
Out at 5, where all staff should be out the door, and on the way home to their families. - POETS day is Friday.
- Never give bad news on a Friday.
So when my boss rang Friday and said “We can’t afford Leo anymore, we need to let him go”, I was p*ssed.
Leo is one of the nicest guys I’ve worked with. He’s a fine, righteous gentleman who’s nearing retirement. A quiet achiever.
“Bugger that”, I thought.
After having a think about George, I suggested that it would be poor form to sack Leo, as he’s:
- one of us, and we should look after our own.
- working on a sledload of customer issues.
- we recently gave him an award for outstanding customer service.
Boss advises today (Tuesday) that Leo has been saved.
I’m happy, (but it’s not a Friday.)
And there will be a price to pay for saving him, I wonder what it will be.