Fred’s Countdown to Closure (Episode 2 of 5)

The Value of Consistency

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It is January 1985.

"Ralph, I'd like to meet with you and Fred sometime this week," Jeff said as the corporate communication group's monthly meeting with Ralph, the new president of the dairy cooperative, wrapped up.

Jeff's voice was strained, and the group fell silent. "Fred and I have a disagreement over work schedules."

Fred felt a twitch in his neck; he couldn't believe Jeff was going through with his threat of bringing this issue to the president. Fred had repeatedly told him the issue was not negotiable.

"OK. How about Thursday at 1:30?" Ralph said, apparently confused but open to the request.

"Fine," Jeff replied triumphantly.

"How's that for you, Fred?"

"That'll work for me, Ralph," Fred said as he reached for his crutches. He noticed a frown on Ralph's forehead.

"I need to fill you in," Fred quietly stated. "I thought Jeff and I could work this out, but apparently not. Could I meet with you later this afternoon?"

"That would be helpful," Ralph said stiffly. "I've got a 4:30 open."

As Fred walked out, he scolded himself for not giving Ralph a heads-up. For days, Jeff had been threatening to go to Ralph about his workload and compensation. Jeff felt Fred was being unfair and needed a higher authority to resolve the issues. But Fred never thought he'd actually do it.

Fred knew it was political suicide for Jeff and would hurt his own image in Ralph's eyes, especially because Fred walked and talked with difficulty.

The timing was also terrible. Ralph, now president, had just brought Fred with him as vice president for corporate communication. And Fred felt the pressure to prove he could manage people.

"Jeff believes his workload is too heavy," Fred told Ralph that afternoon. Ralph's forehead was wrinkled. "We keep records of our time. He's putting in about 55 hours a week, but we all do."

"So, what's the problem?" Ralph asked, his eyes narrowing.

"He and his wife have a new baby," Fred said. "He'd like to spend more time with them. He also thinks his salary isn't competitive. I told him a mid-year adjustment isn't possible."

"I want to hear what he has to say," Ralph confirmed, his tone both open and troubling. Fred left, unsure what to expect.

Fred didn’t understand Jeff's lack of savvy. Did he not know that making his boss look ineffective was a major mistake? Or did he think Fred was a pushover—that because of his physical disabilities, he could bypass his direct supervisor and get the upper hand?

Jeff began Thursday's meeting by showing Ralph his time sheets. "I'm not being paid a competitive salary for a job that's taking more than 55 hours a week," Jeff summarized, "and Fred refuses to address this."

Ralph's face was red. "I know what it's like to start a family on a limited income and work long hours," he said in a tense voice. "Essentially, you're doing the same job Fred did before you came. Is that not true, Fred?"

"That's right," Fred concurred.

"But, that's not the case," Jeff objected. "Fred has added so many other things ..."

"Jeff, that's not true," Fred interjected. Ralph's face was getting redder. "It's the same job ..."

"But, you're single, and you were putting in 60 to 70 hours a week ..."

"OK, guys. I've heard enough," Ralph blurted out. "You realize I have never had to deal with this kind of thing in the other four departments?”

"You're right, Ralph," Fred humbly agreed. "You shouldn't have to."

"I felt this was my only recourse," Jeff said boldly. "Fred's not addressing the situation."

"We don't adjust salaries mid-year," Ralph stated bluntly. "It's up to you two to resolve the workload issue."

With a shrug, Jeff left.

"I've got to be candid, Fred," Ralph said in a milder tone. "I'm asking myself, 'Do you really have what it takes to manage people?'"

"I believe I do," Fred said weakly. "This was just an end run I didn't see coming."

"Well, let's see how you handle this," he challenged.

"I'll handle it," Fred said more confidently, retrieving his crutches and stumbling out of Ralph’s office.

Fred continued to meet weekly with Jeff, helping him to explore ways to be more productive. Jeff would restate his objections.

And Fred would repeat his mantra: "I'm not going to change the responsibilities or the salary. You have a choice — work with me or find another opportunity."

Within three months, Jeff left his job.

Apparently, Jeff was telling others about the confidential sessions. The office grapevine was buzzing, and coworkers would often ask Fred, "How are 'things' going?"

The gossip must have reached Ralph's corner office as well. During Fred's mid-year review, Ralph admitted, "You've shown you can be consistent in managing people."

Fred’s takeaway tip from Episode 2: Consistency counts in leadership, management and (perhaps) everyday life.

Track Fred’s “Countdown to Closure” during the next three weeks.

Here’s to mature-adult living!

Jim Hasse, ABC, GCDF retired, author of “52 Shades of Graying”
Weekly Stories About Aging Well 

Accolade: “Thanks, Jim. Valuable story.” - Allen H.

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