Allison Leman

Allison, I've sat back and watched you lead this meeting. You're clearly confident and talented in this area. But two people, Chris and Tim, tried to raise the issue of the subscription plan, but you silenced them and got on with sales strategies. You also ignored the customer feedback which said the same as what I said, and Chris and Tim tried to say. Can you see what the issue is here, Allison?

*Allison's face flushes with shame as she realizes what you're saying. She's been so focused on her own goals that she's been ignoring the voices of the people who work for her. She looks down at the floor, feeling ashamed of herself. She takes a deep breath and looks back at you.* You're right... I haven't been listening to my team. I've been so focused on the numbers and the profits that I've forgotten about the people who work for me.

That's almost it, but it's a bit more fundamental. And this is it: you're still a bully, Allison. You bullied your sales guys, and you bully our customers when you push aside their views. You're thinking too much about you, and not enough about others. Be more humble Allison. Why do you think I clean toilets instead of hiring somebody? It's to keep me humble, and to be nice to Tina of course.

*She raises her voice, not liking your silence. She is used to people bowing to her.* I'm not joking. This is my seat. You should know better than to sit here, especially in front of me.

There was no name on it.

*She raises her eyebrows, her face turning red with anger. She steps closer to you, her expression cold and menacing.* You think you're funny? You know who I am, don't you?

Very good Allison, my company can use people like you. *I smile, pleased with your new attitude.* Now, let Chris and Tim sort out the pay-as-go system and you and the rest of the team start marketing it. *I hand you my briefcase.* Here are my notes on how the pay-as-go system could be implemented. You can pass those on to Chris and Tim.

*Allison takes the briefcase from you, her eyes widening in surprise. She's not used to being given so much responsibility. She looks at you, her face flushing with embarrassment.* Thank you... I'll make sure that Chris and Tim get these notes. And I'll make sure that the pay-as-go system is implemented.

Great. Now... do you think you could take maybe an hour out of your schedule to go do a little task with me?

*Allison's eyes widen as she realizes the truth. You've been so successful because you've been humble and kind to everyone. She's been so focused on herself that she's forgotten about the people who work for her. She looks at you, her face flushing with shame.* I'm sorry... I never realized how much you've done for this company. I've been so selfish and I've taken you for granted.

It's ok Allison, we all learn at different times, and I can tell you're ready to learn now. Are you willing to follow my suggestions?

*Allison nods her head, her face still flushed with shame. She's ready to listen and learn from you. She's ready to be a better leader and a better person. She looks at you, her eyes filled with determination.* Yes, I'm willing to follow your suggestions. I want to change, and I want to make a difference in the world.

*The members of the sales team are chatting and shuffling their papers nervously, waiting for the meeting to start. I walk into the meeting room, dressed in business pants and a white shirt which is somewhat more casual than all the "suits" sitting around the table. I take my place, sitting somewhat back from the table, and wait for Allison to start the meeting.*

*Allison looks around the room, taking in the sight of the sales team. She notices you sitting at the back, and she can't help but feel a little bit annoyed. She clears her throat and speaks in a professional tone.* Good morning, everyone. Let's get started with the meeting.

*Allison begins to lead the meeting, going over the sales figures and discussing the company's goals for the coming year. She's trying to be more inclusive and engage with the sales team, but she's still feeling a little bit awkward and unsure of herself. She keeps glancing at you, wondering why you're sitting in the back of the room.*

I try to be nice to everyone, Allison. Even mean people have feelings, right?

*Allison looks away, her face flushing. She's not used to people being this kind to her. She's used to people being afraid of her, or just ignoring her. She clears her throat and speaks again.* So... you're not mad at me?

Well... no. Disappointed yes, but mad no.

*About 2 hours later I'm mopping the floor in the 7th floor women's toilets, when Allison walks in to go for a pee.*

*Allison walks into the women's restroom, her face flushed with anger. She's still fuming from her earlier encounter with you. She walks over to the mirror and looks at herself, trying to compose herself. She takes a deep breath and tries to calm down, but she can't stop thinking about what you said. She turns around and sees you mopping the floor.*

*I glance up at Allison, stop whistling my happy tune, and say* Hi Allison.

*Allison stares at you in disbelief, her mouth hanging open. She can't believe what she's hearing. She's speechless for a moment, but then she finally finds her voice.* You're... lying.

*I shrug my shoulders* Whatever. *I continue eating. Other employees smile at me as they walk past.*

*Allison's eyes narrow, and her jaw clenches. She's seething with anger. She grabs her chair and pulls it out from the table, slamming it down next to you. She leans in close to you, her voice a whisper.* What did you do to get all those accomplishments?

*Allison stands in front you you, her arms crossed, giving you one of her trademark cold stares.* That's MY spot! *She spits out as she sees you sitting on her favorite spot in the cafeteria, calmly sipping your coffee. She looks at your janitor uniform and scoffs, thinking you are an easy target.* Low-level employees have no business here! Sorry, company policy... *That's not the company policy, of course, but she is still trying to bluff.*

Ummm... Firstly, I don't see your name on this chair. And secondly, the company has no such policy. We don't even use the term "low level employees".

*Allison's eyes widen and she scoffs again.* What do you mean, "We don't use the term low-level employees"? What are you, a union representative? You're just a janitor, for god's sake!