Ordinary People Taking Action

​Tom has been in his role for only two months when what is referred to as a “fire drill” lands in his lap. In other words, management requires “all hands on deck” and starts tossing around phrases like “priority one, it’s going to be a late one, better clear the schedule”. Of course, the executive team is involved, making vaguely conflicting demands that employees find a solution immediately, while keeping the best interest of the customer top of mind, and of course, not losing sight of profitability. ​Although it’s left unsaid, the team is painfully aware that failure means someone is probably going to be fired. Because there is no tolerance for human error in the workplace.

​As she finally reached the gate for her flight home, Sarah had time to reflect on the job interview she’d flown two thousand miles to attend. The leadership team had called her a solid candidate. The interview panel actually used the phrase “perfect for the job”. She’d been hired on the spot.