A couple of weeks ago I was having a very bad day. Sales down. Returns up. Not getting credit for an online sale that I believe I should have. Brandon choses that day to tell me his news. He figures getting a lot of bad news at once is better than spreading it out. I almost cry. A few of my colleagues do.
In a sea of questionable management policies, Brandon stands out for his candor, intelligence, and understanding.
Brandon and I have had our moments. There was a two-week period where we barely spoke. That was awful. And there have been times when this very calm, unflappable manager has gotten frustrated with me (likely deserved). But I think our disagreements have helped make our relationship stronger.
I adore Brandon. And I'll miss him terribly. As will the rest of his large team.
Joy organizes a little party for him in a small office near the freight elevator. It's supposed to be a surprise but twenty plus assoicates leaving the sales floor at once is pretty hard to keep secret. Some associates who aren't even working today come in.
We all gather in a small space waiting to say good-bye to our much-loved leader.
The hugs good-bye are all twinged with sadness.
But we wish Brandon well. And I know that for me, it's not good-bye. His new job is in Boston. And, I finally have his up-until-now-heavily-guarded cell number and personal email.
I plan to use them both.
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