Resignation

by J. L. Dean

You started as a secretary and worked hard.  Working by day and studying at night, you became a lawyer.  An Associate.  A Partner.  

It is a success story to be proud of and you are right to be so.  But what else is known about you?  The team you manager is notorious in the company; think about that word for a minute.  Notorious.  Not admired; not sought-after; notorious.  Your team assistants are known not to stay; your manner is to blame.  You have been spoken to but because it is your team and you know best, you shout them down.  

Attention to detail is your god.  A mistake, however minor, you understand as both a personal insult and an opportunity.  No one will echo your rise; you will make sure of that.  You had to fight and you fight still, against your own team; against those who long to follow where you lead.  You could have been an inspiration, yet the desire to humiliate is stronger.  You don’t point out an error when you can trumpet it to the rest of the department.  

You refuse to believe that your behaviour encourages mistakes, instead of your assistant whom you intimidate.  When she tries to explain, to stand up for herself, you brand her as defensive and scold her for answering back.  You know what she could say; what others have already said.  Then again, you have told her she lacks initiative; it must be so.  You don’t give her a second thought.  You are strong, in control, and unassailable.

You did not break her spirit, she simply withdrew it, just as she withdrew from you and your poisonous team. 

The first e-mail you receive is from her home address.  She gives her notice but does not work it.  To you she says nothing.  About you, she has spoken volumes.  

The second e-mail you receive is from the Head of Department, wondering if there are any problems he should be aware of.  You are rattled but stand your ground.  You remind the Head of Department that there are targets to be met.  You rise to your usual tone and indulge in fury at the poor quality of employees you are forced to accept.  You convince yourself that you are the true victim.  This time, you convince only yourself.    

The third e-mail you receive is a meeting invitation, from HR.