Page 33 of Saving Veronica
“That’s just it. I’d like to make a contest, and based on the results, make some changes around here.”
“I’m not sure if I understand.”
“I’ve been observing everyone on the floor. There are some people who work their asses off around here, and others sit in their offices and don’t do a damn thing all day, but are the first ones to take the credit away from the people doing the actual work. What if at today’s weekly meeting, I present my fundraiser and discuss a contest.”
“What type of contest?”
“First, I know I’m going to need help. I’m clueless on some things, but okay on others. At the meeting, I’d like to present what I want and throw it out there that if anyone wants in on it, they can come up with things to do and present it, oh, let’s say, next Friday. I’ll pick the person that has the same ideas as me, and they can work side by side with me on it. But, I won’t give them all my ideas ahead of time. Give them a chance to see if we’re on the same wavelength.”
“Sounds good, but how are you going to do that. You and I both know that Janis Lorenzo is going to jump at the chance to work with you, and she’ll make her assistant do all the work to make her look good. She’ll get all the glory for doing nothing.” William sat back and studied his son in concern. “Then, she’ll be working side by side with you. Personally, I don’t believe she’ll be able to keep her hands off you.” William smirked. “I fear for your safety, son.”
Finn snorted a laugh, and shook his head. “That’s the beauty of my plan. I’ll present it that there are no teams. If you want in, you have to do the work yourself. If I find someone used help from someone else, took someone’s work, or prevented anyone from participating, then they are disqualified. Personally, between you and me, I’d like to fire Janis and Simon. Those two sit in their offices all day and don’t do anything. Well, if you consider bossing their assistants around, then they do something.”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“Yeah, and I swear, if I see Ms. Lorenzo apply one more coat of that godawful red lipstick, or powder her nose, I’ll cram them down her throat.” He actually shuddered. “She’s a good-looking woman, so why on god’s earth she’d want to cover all that up is beyond me. But...” He held up his hand, before his father could say anything. “She’s a good-looking woman for someone else. One, she’s not my type. Too damn skinny. Two, she’s smart, but doesn’t apply herself. I don’t know if she’s not challenged enough, or looking for a man to support her so she can quit. Three, I don’t know if we have one, but I’m going to initiate a no-fraternization policy. Maybe she’ll get the hint that I’m not interested.”
“Sounds good. So, who will be involved in entering the contest?”
“Anyone who wants in. It isn’t only for the executives. An assistant or an intern can submit a proposal. As long as they do the work themselves, their ideas will be considered. Hell, maybe even someone who works in the mail room. I’m thinking maybe a five minute presentation from each of them next Friday.”
“I like it, Son. Go for it. Are they going to present to just you?”
“Would you and Grandpa like to sit in on it? I’d like your input. Hell, we talk about it at night during dinner, so you know what I’m looking for.”
“Sounds like a plan, I’ll see you at three then,” Finn said, and went back to his office to make notes for the meeting later that afternoon.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” William Larson said to all his employees working for him. “Unless anyone has pressing matters, I’d like to turn the floor over to Finn. You all know he’s my son, and he will eventually take over my position when Dad retires.”
Finn noticed Janis sit up straighter, pulled her shoulders back and pulled her top down to show more cleavage. He shook his head and stood, using his crutches to make his way to the head of the room.
“Thank you all for coming.” Finn looked out and saw at least thirty people sitting around the room. “As Dad just said, I’ll eventually take over for him when Grandpa retires. My first order of business as new head of the Larson Foundation, with Dad’s support, I’m initiating a new policy.” He opened a folder, pulled a pile of papers to begin handing them to the people on either side of him. “Please take one and pass it along. Everyone needs to read it, sign it, and get it back to HR no later than Wednesday of next week.”
“What the hell?” Janis jerked her head to glare in outrage at Finn. “You can’t do this.”
“I can and I did. If you have a problem with it, Ms. Lorenzo, take it up with HR,” Finn said sternly, and watched as she glared at him. Finn turned his back and saw his father cover a smirk and he rolled his eyes. He went up to a whiteboard and turned back to the group.
“Now, I need to tell you that I personally am spearheading a fundraiser for a local vet. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m in over my head. I’m going to need your help. I know what I want and what I expect. So, bear with me for a couple of seconds.” He turned back to the board, and began writing. Five minutes later he turned back to the group.
“I want a Halloween costume party for the general public and their animals. General public is the key word. All proceeds earned that night will be donated directly to Dr. Grady Appleton and his clinic.” He held up his hand when he saw several people take a deep breath and looked like they were going to throw out ideas.
“At this point, I’d like to propose a little contest.” He looked at his father and grinned when he had everyone’s undivided attention.
“What type of contest?” Simon called out.
“As I said not two minutes ago, I’m in over my head. I’m going to put this out there. Anyone sitting in this room can participate. Next Friday at 10 a.m., we will all come back here and anyone who takes up this challenge will have five minutes to present their ideas to me, Dad, and Grandpa. However, there is only one rule.” He paused for effect, and when he had everyone’s attention, he grinned. “You work on it on your own.” Finn noticed several of the senior executive frowned, while several assistants and interns sat up taller.
“What do you mean on our own?” Janis demanded. “That’s what our assistants are for.”
“Not in this. If your assistant wants to work on this and do a presentation, then they are welcome to, but know this.” Again, he paused for effect. “If anyone’s assistant does this and you threaten to fire them, or give them a hard time about it, you yourself will be fired. Not the assistant.”
“That’s not how this organization works,” Simon said sarcastically.
“It is now. I may not be officially in charge yet, but I will be, and I’m giving you a taste of what to expect in the future. So, assistants and interns, you are more than welcome to partake in this contest. As a matter of fact, you are extremely encouraged to participate. I want to know if any of the senior members harass you, try to steal your ideas, or pick your brain. Is that clear?”
“Yes Sir.” The whole room spoke and then Finn closed the meeting. “So, what do you think?” He asked his father after everyone had cleared out.
“It was good, but you should have gone with the contest first before you gave them your idea. Are you sure about this?”
