by Robert Olsen
Kathryn, however, liked the idea. She wanted to quickly determine the highlights of last week, what was outstanding, and what were the goals or obstacles they faced this week. She saw it as an efficient way to hone in on the priorities.
The meeting was over in less than an hour. Kathryn felt more focused and relieved knowing that everyone on her team was on top of their assignments. She was pleased. Once back in her office, Kathryn looked at her own to do list. Barbara had placed her calendar on her desk, as she did every morning. First thing every morning, she printed the calendar from outlook, made several notations, and placed it on top of Kathryn’s desk with the appropriate file necessary for the meetings or appointments scheduled that day.
Although it focused on the day, it also allowed Kathryn to see the week at a glance. She reviewed it thoroughly, and returned the copy to Barbara to make any changes, if necessary. This day, everything looked just fine. Now, Kathryn was ready for Ted Duncan’s 10:30 staff meeting. Picking up her notes, she headed down the hallway to Ted’s conference room.
“Good morning. I trust everyone had a good weekend?” Ted began. “Did everyone see the Journal this morning? Great article about us - a must read. And after the market opened this morning, I saw we were at $114.50! That’s a great way to start the day. Thanks, in part to Kathryn’s team, as well as the district offices around the country, last week was a phenomenal week. Congratulations Kathryn.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I need to get with you Jim, today, if you can do it. Corporate changed some of the deadlines again on the Five Year Plan. I know the Budget and Forecasting group will get with you, but I’d like to go over it first with you so you know my needs.”
Jim was the controller for New York and responsible for all financial matters including the Product Sales and Marketing Division, which was headquartered in New York.
“No problem Ted. I’ll get with Edna and set it up.”
“And speaking about budgets, our Corporate Office just dealt us more bad news. I know none of you were happy about the recent announcement I made regarding layoffs. I thought that was going to be the end of it, but it’s not. This one directly impacts you Kathryn, and you as well, Jim. Effective immediately, they have doubled our sales target for the new Diage pump, to avoid further layoffs.”
“What? That’s ridiculous Ted and you know it. We already had an admirable goal to begin with.”
“It’s not worth arguing about Kathryn, there is nothing we can do.”
“I’m not arguing, sir. I’m just being realistic. It’s next to impossible to reach that kind of growth in one year. Show me one example in the Company’s history where they’ve had such an aggressive sales goal on a new product.”
“Should Kathryn join us in the Five Year Plan discussion, Ted? She’s a big part of this topic and certainly responsible for hitting these targets.” Jim said, trying to help Kathryn somewhat.
“You and I can handle it, Jim. The sales increase is this year, not the next five.”
“Bullshit, you watch,” Kathryn mumbled, frowning and looking down at the table.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing, sir.” Kathryn said, pissed at the idea of facing her team again!
Does anyone else have anything to say? We could go around the room, if you’d like.”
Everyone, sat quiet or decided this was not the time to bring up new requests. The meeting was soon adjourned.
“Oh, Dr. Andreyushkin, could you please stay for a few minutes, I’d like to discuss a few things with you before you go.”
“But of course, Ted. No problem.”
Everyone left Ted’s office, except Anton.
When Kathryn returned to her office, Barbara took one look at Kathryn and knew things did not go too well.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine Barbara, doing just ducky!” Kathryn said, walking into her office.
She sat quiet at her desk for several minutes just gazing out the window. When she was ready to resume work, she hollered out at Barbara.
“Can you please get Denton on the phone for me, Barb?”
Moments later, “I’ve got William for you. Pick up.”
“Bill, this is Kathryn, how have you been? Everything going alright?”
“Yes Kathryn, fine. What can I do for you?”
“Say, you still have the North Shore Hospital account, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Have you talked to them yet about the Diage pump?”
“I did Kathryn, in fact they not only were among the first that I contacted, but they also were among the first to place an order. In fact, it was a large order and I’ve already filled it. Why? Is there a problem?”
“Not at all, Bill. It’s more of a personal question, you have been doing fantastic, one of the best on my team.”
“Thanks.”
“I have another question, by any chance do you know a Doctor Jones? His practice is in Garden City.”
“I’m afraid not, Kathryn. That name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“That’s alright. Thanks so much, and keep up the great work,” she said, ending the call.
“I’m going downstairs, would you like me to pick up anything for you in the cafeteria?”
“Maybe I should, Barb. How about a chicken salad sandwich, on wheat please?”
“Sounds good, I’ll be right back.”
After eating her sandwich, placing several calls, and meeting with a few people, she was back in her office around three. She was about to make another call when Jim Carpenter appeared at her door.
“Do you have a few minutes Kathryn?”
“Certainly, come on in Jim. Sorry about the fuss I caused this morning. I hope I didn’t get him all agitated at you about the sales figures.”
“Don’t worry about it, no harm done. Actually, I was on your side. It looks to me to be just as preposterous as you suggested.”
“Really? Thanks.”
“In fact, I just came from Ted’s office, and was hoping you’d be at your desk.”
“How did the meeting go?”
“Unusual, in my opinion. I’m somewhat confused.”
“How so?” She asked as Jim stood up and closed her door.
“We’ve known each other a long time Kathryn, and I have always respected you. You know your stuff.”
“Thanks Jim, feeling is mutual. But, I don’t understand, what happened.”
“You’re certainly aware that the Budget and Forecast Group consolidates a financial Five Year Plan for all segments of the company. Of course, I’m privy and responsible for our portions of that plan. They always communicate everything directly with me, this year being no different. So this morning, when Ted said he wanted to go over it with me, I was surprised to say the least. The Senior Operating Executive has never done that before, up front that is. Of course, he reviews and approves it when it’s finalized, but never before did he get involved in the beginning. Odd. Very odd.”
“Well, maybe he’s just freaking out over all these layoffs and increased sales goals.”
“That’s what I assumed. But - please don’t say a word to anyone, Kathryn, he’d kill us both if he found out that I talked to you - he handed me the Corporate Five Year Plan assumptions and I can immediately see they are anticipating those layoffs as part of the objectives. In other words, the savings from the layoffs are baked into the plan. It’s all there to meet our expense targets.”
“So? I still don’t understand.”
“Ted said the sales target, for the new insulin pump, was doubled. The revenue projections were doubled! Those sales levels are substantial, and would be a major component of the Five Year Plan.”
“So?”
“There’s no indication of such a decision in the Corporate Assumptions?”
“What? Are you saying Corporate forgot to add it? Maybe it was a last minute decision?”
“The revenues in the Plan are adequate to meet our objectives. Ted told me Kathryn, that Corporate told him to add the additional level of new Revenue as a top-side adjustment. They were not including it, in what they sent out to Accounting.”
“You’ve lost me Jim. I’m not getting what you’re trying to tell me.”
“I smell a rat, Kathryn. The plan looks fine. The purpose is to match our Revenues and Expenses sufficient to drive a profit and a reasonable or modest growth rate over the five year period. The Plan achieves that, as is. So why would anyone tell the boss, we need more revenue to make up the short fall? There is no shortfall!”
“Oh shit, Jim. I just got it.”
“It makes no sense Kathryn. And what’s worse, he told me to just do it, and not tell anyone. He wants me to submit the plan as Corporate wants it, but submit separate plans to all the departments, showing the increased revenue targets. He wants it both ways.”
“Why do you think he wants this?”
“The obvious reason, is he wants this office to produce far more than the company is expecting. He claims, it is needed for some secret project he cannot share with me, or anyone else. I’ve never heard of such bullshit.”
“You probably already sensed what I’m thinking about Ted. Is there anything we can do?”
“Even if there was, I’m not sure we would want to try.”
“If we can’t or won’t do anything about it, why are you telling me?”
“Like I said, I like you Kathryn. If I’m right, you do not really have to meet this goal. I’m sort of telling you, budgets were meant to be broken. If you can do it, great. But, if you don’t, I don’t believe you will have Corporate on your ass.”
“True. Just Ted Duncan! And that’s a lot for my little ass!”
“You said that Kathryn, not me.”
“You have an opinion about my ass? Oh never mind. I think I already know the answer to that. You men are all alike.”
“I don’t know what else to say, but I wanted you to hear my opinion.”
“I really appreciate this Jim. I realize you did not have to come in here and tell me this. Thank you Jim. You’re a true friend. And I’ll definitely keep this to myself. Remember, Ted asked Dr. Andreyushkin to stay for a few minutes?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think any of this has to do with him?”
“I don’t know. That’s a good question, Kathryn. You were on his project team. How’s your relationship with Anton?”
“I’m not sure. He’s a strange duck, too.”
“Well, if you do consider talking with him, be careful. You never know.”
“What’s that old saying, Jim? Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer? Maybe I’ll just conveniently make a presence today and see if he volunteers anything.”
“That sounds like a good approach, to me. I better be going. Good luck.”
“Thanks again, Jim.”
Chapter 16
Tuesday started out no better than the day before had. Kathryn was in her office until eight Monday evening, and was exhausted by the time she got home. Despite getting to bed early, she still struggled attempting to get up at 6:00.
“Shit, I don’t want to do this!” She said, grumbling, climbing out of bed, and putting on her socks and sneakers. The T-shirt and shorts she had slept in were fine for now, so she climbed onto her exercise bike for a quick workout while watching the TV morning news.
Mod 5, hills, variable speed, enter. That should do it. Oh crap, The Presidential debates. I forgot about that. I really don’t want to listen to this. How many times have I heard this already? Income inequality, border security, ISIS trying to kill us - good grief. Is there anything positive out there anymore? What happened to those police officers who used to rescue my neighbor’s cat?
After 30 minutes of an aerobic workout, she scrambled two eggs, toast, with orange juice for breakfast, then hit the shower. Fix hair, makeup, get dressed, and out the door by 7:30 at the latest. She could be in the office by 8:00. That way, she could look over her schedule, check her emails and still get out of the office by 9:00. She had to be at the New York University Pharmacy Center by 9:45, which was about 25 blocks away, on 1st Avenue. Everything miraculously went as planned, until later that afternoon.
“Hey Barb, I’m back. Any surprises?”
“Donald Gingrich came by looking for you, but didn’t leave a message. Can’t be too important. Oh, and Bill Denton called. Said he looked up that doctor you were asking about, and said he’s affiliated with North Shore. If there was anything you need, he could probably help you by going through the hospital. He said to give him a call.”
“How sweet is that? He didn’t have to do anything for me. I’ll have to give him a call just to thank him for the offer. If you don’t need me right now, Barbara, I’m going to run over to Dr. Andreyushkin’s office for a second. NYU had a technical question about the pump that I need to ask him about. I shouldn’t be too long.”
Moments later she moseyed over to the doctor’s office.
“Hi Shirley, is Anton in his office. I have a quick question.”
“He was here a minute ago, Kathryn. He returned from downstairs, worked into his office and something crazy must have happened. He stormed out, pretty angry I’d say, and went looking for Megan.”
Just then, Dr. Andreyushkin came walking back toward his office, rather briskly, with Megan right on his heels and talking loudly. She was one of his managers.
“I don’t care what their protocol is!” he said, sounding pissed off. “Nobody should take anything out of my office without my direct permission. I want that laptop back here, immediately. I have very critical and confidential documents on that machine. How dare they remove it without asking me?”
“It’s routine Anton. I’m positive they sent you an email notifying you to move all critical files to the company server. That was over a week ago! And, they always send a second notification after that,” Megan said still on his heels.
Anton stopped just outside of his office and was standing very close to Kathryn, just as Megan continued trying to explain the situation to him. He looked directly at Kathryn.
“I think Megan is right about the laptop policy. The company leases the damn things, Anton, and has to rotate and replace them in accordance with the lease terms,” Kathryn said, foolishly thinking he was expecting her to say something.
“I don’t need two young girls lecturing me about computer policies, thank you! Do either of you have any idea how many emails I receive daily?” He yelled, obvious that Kathryn too, was now suddenly pissed off.
“Now wait a minute,” Kathryn started to say as Megan got a jump start in the screaming match!
“I’m not saying it was your fault sir!” Megan screamed.
“Oh my, did I miss something important Dr. Andreyushkin?” His secretary, Shirley suddenly jumped in to the discussion, worried that she may have overlooked an email causing all this fighting.
“No Shirley, it’s not your fault,” Anton said to her. Actually, he was pissed off at her, but only for allowing someone into his office when he wasn’t there. However, he could deal with her, later. Right now, all he wanted was for Megan to get his laptop back.
“I want to know right this minute, who do I have to call to get this resolved?” He demanded.
“They’re not going to return it!” Megan said.
“Damn it woman, I want you to get someone on the phone this instant!”
“You don’t have to talk to me in that tone of voice,” Megan said. “Shirley, can I use your phone?”
Certainly, Megan.
“Mark, this is Megan Ruso. There has been a mistake, and I am trying to locate Dr. Anton Andreyushkin’s laptop. He’s the
senior executive responsible for the architecture of our medical products. His laptop was removed from his office today for recycling. Can you check to see if you have it? We need it back immediately, to access an important file.
Megan was on the phone talking to Mark when Kathryn noticed Eric Halsey walking in their direction. He obviously, heard all the screaming. Being part of the IT division, Eric also understood what the fuss was about. Kathryn, immediately looked at Shirley.
“I’ll get with Anton later,” she said, realizing the opportunity to get out from the middle of this mess. She walked straight toward Eric.
“What the hell is going on with them?” He asked Kathryn.
“Stupid fight over computer policy.”
“Yeah, I heard part of it. I also heard the way he spoke to you and Megan. That’s not right Kathryn, and you two shouldn’t tolerate it from that pain in the ass.”
“Kathryn, was surprised at Eric’s reaction, and did not want him walking over to Anton and possibly making all this worse.
“I agree Eric, and I am going to deal with him about this as soon as I can get him alone.”
“Good. Someone needs to put him in his place!”
“Eric, can I ask you a favor please? I need to understand something and you’re just the guy who could help me.”
“Sure, Kathryn. What’s up?”
“Let’s go down to the cafeteria for a minute. I’ll buy you coffee.”
The two turned and headed for the elevators. They took their coffee to a quiet table and for a few minutes continued their comments regarding the fight going on upstairs. Kathryn quickly discovered how much Eric disliked Dr. Andreyushkin, but could not quite understand why he had such a chip on his shoulder toward him, especially considering Dr. Andreyushkin was his boss.
“How did you get involved in that quarrel? That’s not your style, Kathryn. And they’re fighting over computers not sales?” Eric asked her, genuinely curious over what she was doing there.
“I don’t know, Eric. Well, actually, I do know why I was there. What I meant was that I don’t know how I got sucked into the fight.”
