The Chief. Part 3

There was a major crisis in the Tourism industry. Everyone and anyone was getting involved. This of course, included the Chief who was hosting daily press conferences. In the midst of the excitement he said something inaccurate and negative about my company. I was livid. Hot boss or no hot boss who the hell was he to be making public announcements about a major project of our company without some consultation?? Before I could even process it all, my CEO came to my office. I let him know exactly how I felt about it and he said he agreed and would speak to the Chief about how to move forward and repair our image.

Hours later, the CEO called from the Chief's office and said I was to join them as soon as possible. As I headed over there my thoughts raced. This time I was nervous not because I thought he was fine but because I was trying to think of how best to structure my criticsim of the Chief's earlier statements. When I reached, his secretary happily ushered me in and I found him as I did last time: coffee, newspaper and CNN. My CEO was nowhere to be seen. 'Ms. Spice. I hear you are not happy with my public speaking. Sit. Let's talk.'

I sat and, even though I thought he looked particularly dashing that day, I fixed my gaze at a spot above his head and launched into my tirade. I spoke of policy and procedure, pointed out the flaws in his statements and ended with my suggestions for damage control. He was silent. I placed my hands and my gaze in my lap bracing for his infamous temper. A few minutes passed, and when I looked up he was leaning back in his chair watching TV again. He turned to me and said: 'So, how was the visit to London? I hear its cold over there...'

There was yet another press conference the following morning about my company and my project. I was invited to sit at the head table. I leaned over to whisper to my CEO when a commotion and camera flashes heralded the arrival of the Chief. He smiled at me as he took the mike. For the next 15 minutes I listened as he spoke on policy and procedure.. suddenly I realised that he was repeating and expounding on all the things I had said the day before!! My face flushed as he ended by saying 'I will take your questions now but I will need to refer to Ms. Spice as necessary'. My CEO winked and gave me a thumbs up. When it was over the Chief leaned over and said 'Good job Ms. Spice. Welcome to the team.' My smile appeared in the newspaper the following day.