>>>BY: TOMMY BURRUS
I heard the steady clip-clop pattern of high heels on a tile floor. I didn’t need to see who it was; I could tell immediately that Cynthia, the sales floor receptionist was approaching. As she reached my doorway, she said, “Mark, Mr. Boren would like to see you in his office.”
She lingered there as if expecting some response. I really wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say. It is rarely good to get summoned to the big boss’s office. I looked back at Cynthia, and her eyebrows shot up as if they were willing me to get up and dash to the owner’s office. I shrugged my shoulders, stood up, and moved out from behind my desk.
In my mind, I was wondering what I could have done wrong. Why was I being called on the carpet? As I reached the doorway, Cynthia proceeded down the hallway in front of me, her clacking heels were like the drumbeat announcement of my execution, at least as far as my employment was concerned. Why hadn’t she just used the intercom? I was relieved when she turned to head back toward the sales floor.
Even in this economy, my sales figures were still ahead of the other employees. I did come in late last Friday, but I couldn’t help the fact that an accident had happened right in front of me. I had to stay until the accident report was done and the officer said I could go. I know the boss doesn’t mind me leaving early on Wednesdays for Bible study. I got his approval on that. No matter how I racked my brain, I just couldn’t imagine why Mr. Boren wanted to see me. As I approached his executive assistant’s desk, Barbara gave a quick head tilt and said, “He’s ready for you.”
I drew in a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and pushed open the solid cherry-wood door with his name plate. He was on the phone, so I stayed near the door, not wanting to intrude. I wasn’t sure where to look, but I finally settled on looking out the large window to the right of his desk. I decided that this delay was the perfect moment for me to pray. “Father, I know this is no surprise to you. Whatever happens today, I pray that you will give me the strength and grace I need.”
Just then, I heard Mr. Boren conclude his call and drop the handset into the cradle. He rose from his desk as he said, “Mark, come on in. Have a seat.” My former nervousness had evaporated, and I was feeling confident as I took my place in the chair across from my employer’s desk.
“Mark, I’ve had my eye on you. Your sales are stellar. You go out of your way to help your coworkers. You have a solid work ethic. You are prompt and thorough with your paperwork. In short, you are an asset to our company.” Before I could say thank you, Mr. Boren continued. “Mark, I’m not going to beat around the bush here. John Rizen is retiring. I need a new sales manager, and I think you are that guy. Now, it means you won’t be working on commission anymore, but there are bonuses involved. You would have more responsibilities. One of those responsibilities would be to entertain our prominent clients.”
Mr. Boren continued his explanation, but my stomach was churning. I had heard the stories of how John Rizen entertained those executives. I tried not to hear the details because it was so sleazy, but I had heard more than I wanted over the years.
“Mr. Boren, I am truly grateful for the opportunity. I am honored that you would consider me. This promotion is a wonderful surprise, but there are some things we would need to discuss.”
“Mark, you don’t have to worry. The salary will be more than fair. With bonuses, I think it is safe to say you will be making nearly double what you are now, and, of course, you will have an expense account to cover the entertainment costs.”
How was I going to make him understand without offending him? I simply could not go to the kinds of places that he would expect me to take our clients. Mr. Boren isn’t a believer, but he’s always been understanding. Maybe he will be receptive.
“John shared with me this morning that we have a real ground-breaking opportunity. Maritzco executives will be in town this Friday. I am sure you can imagine the potential income that landing that account would mean to this company,” Mr. Boren said.
“Of course, I do. Yes, sir, but I would want to know how much flexibility there would be about how I entertain these executives.”
Mr. Boren sat in stunned silence behind his desk. His mouth was gaping open, and his head was bobbing as if he were trying to manually process what I had just said. I obviously am not handling this well. I hoped I could regain his good graces.
“Sir, I hope you won’t misunderstand. I have some convictions about the kinds of places John has gone with clients in the past. I am loyal to you and this company. I believe in the products we sell. If you allow me to become the sales manager, you can know that I will always give you my best effort,” I said.
The silence that stretched between us seemed endless. Mr. Boren held his gaze upon me like he was studying a species of insect that he’d never seen before. When he finally spoke, I was surprised by the fatherly tone his voice had taken.
“Mark, I admire you for having principles. Really, I do. I am not sure that they are very conducive to success in the business world. I realize that you are still young, and I’m willing to go out on a limb for you because I think you are smart and there is a chance that you might see things more clearly in time. We’ll let John handle wining and dining the Maritzco folks Friday, you’ll still take the lead on the sales presentation with them. This deal is just too important to jeopardize. After that, I’ll give you the position of interim sales manager. I’ll give you a month. I want to make myself clear: If your principles become a problem, I’ll have to find someone else.”
I stood and shook his hand and said, “Thank you, sir. I understand completely.”
To be continued…
