XVII. Termination

Dan had received clear verbal approval to proceed with the Next Level project as originally planned.

If there had been time, it would have been instructive to unpack the significance of that statement. Perhaps anecdotes from the team, a “Previously on…”montage to bring newcomers up to speed, or an essay on the organisational and behavioural principles that enabled the outcome.

But there was no time for reflection.

Unaware of Tony and Naira’s comedy routine in the lunchroom, Dan headed back to his desk. An email notification ‘ding’ was too enticing to ignore, and he saw that George was the sender.

It had been all of three minutes since he left his boss’ office, ‘How did he have time to send an email!?’

Dan, Calvin’s resigned. Project definitely off. Sorry

A mixture of grief and anger swept over Dan. ‘Oh Calvin’, he sighed.

Figuring that Calvin was still on the premises Dan set off to search for his colleague, only to meet Omar entering through the foyer.

‘Dan!’, announced the board member. ‘That’s remarkable. Sorry for springing this on you but I’d love your help with a couple of things. Can I have twenty minutes…now?’

Dan’s head was a bit too all-over-the-place to think of congratulating Omar on his appointment as chair of the board, but he was functioning sufficiently well to know not to refuse the question.

Patricia waved them through into George’s office and he rose to meet them, looking puzzled. Omar shook his hand and began.

‘George, I have some very difficult news.’

The founder bowed his head slightly. It looked like a protective movement yet also an acknowledgement of what was about to come.

Omar continued, ‘I’m sorry to tell you that the board is terminating your employment at GPK. I know this might not be a complete surprise but I’m very sorry for the shock.’ And he handed George an envelope.

At this point Dan’s head was spinning so hard, Omar could have launched into a rendition of “Another One Bites the Dust” and Dan wouldn’t have noticed. Instead, Omar acknowledged George’s historic role and his massive contribution to the organisation. George was offered counselling support and the opportunity to negotiate timing.

The, now former, senior leader was close to tears. Omar reiterated his regret.

The meeting lasted only a few minutes, but Dan didn’t feel he could stand for a moment longer. Omar drew the discussion to a close and, after they’d left the room, placed his hand on Dan’s shoulder.

‘Is there somewhere quiet we can sit?’