Situation 20:
Mr.Barnes’office
(James knocks on Mr.Barnes’ door and
enters his office.)
You asked for me,sir?
Ah,Goddard.Good,come right in.Listen,I want to ask
your opinion about a few things.First,let me tell you
again how pleased I am at the way you handled
the Wang account.As you know this is a huge account and it is
going to require its own management team.
Thank you, sir.
Wang computers wants us tonot only develop a new
set of software for the new operating
systemwe are designing for them,but they also want us
to develop new marketing strategies
for this system.Something similar to what Apple did with
their new line of Macintosh computers.That was a brilliant
marketing idea to build the processor
right into the monitorAnd you know how successful they were
in developing great advertisingfor their new products.
Yes,sir.Apple was able to regain their share of the
marketwith the combination of a great product and
good advertising.
Well,Goddard I need a team that can do the same thing for
us and Wang computers.I’m thinking of making you the man in charge
of putting this team togetherand managing it.Do you
think you could handle an assignment like that?
Do you mean that I could choosemy own team?
With my approval of course.
Yes sir.I think with the right people working with me,that I can make the
most of our partnership with Wang computers.
Good.That’s what I wanted to hear.I am promoting you to
the Executive Director in charge of the Wang account.Now,you are going to
need a good assistant. Do you have anyone in mind?
Yes sir,I do.Steve Dawson.
Dawson!?From what I saw at the meeting yesterday,he didn’t seem to be a
team player.He was looking out for his own interest.
Well,yes.It did seem that way,but there are a few things you should know
about Steve Dawson,sir.First,he has been with the company much
longer than I have without a promotionand the Wang account
was his big chance.That is why he was so aggressive.Second,when I came
into the company,there were so many things that I didn’t know.
Steve was never selfish with his time and he taught me a
lot.Third,I think if he is given a chance,he can develop a great
advertising package for the new system we are developingfor our partnership
with Wang computers.Last but not least,Steve and I really work well together.
I must say,I am impressed with your loyalty.All right
then.I want you to take Dawson to lunch today
and inform him of his promotionto Assistant Executive Director in
charge of the wang deal.
Thank you,sir.I can assure you that you won’t regret your decision.
All right,Goddard.That’s all.You can go.
Yes,sir.
Oh,Goddard,one more thing.
Sir?
You can put the lunch bill on your new executive
expense account.
Yes,sir!