Linda was waiting for me in my office when I got back after the meeting. 

I was ready for typical Linda.  Gruff, non-nonsense and pissed-off at my overly sensitive attitude towards our staff.   I?d had enough and was ready to end it right here. She was a problem that had to be dealt with and a potential cancer within our organization.

I started to speak and Linda interrupted. ?Andy, if you want me to resign, I totally understand?.  Her voice sounded shaky?like she could cry at any moment.  I?d never heard her like this.  I was in shock.   

?Linda, what?s going on??

?Andy, I?m not sure I can do this.  I?ve spent 30 years of my life doing things one way.  People didn?t always love me but that was okay.  I got the job done and got it done well.  That was always enough.? She stared into space for a few seconds.  ?Maybe the world has passed me by.? 

?Linda you know you were always an important part of our success and I?d love for you to be an important part of our turnaround.  I?m not asking you to change who you are; I?m only asking that you do your best to support the changes we?re trying to make around here.  I don?t expect you to shift from ruling with an iron fist to being a cheerleader, but I do expect you to work with the team to figure out how to best use your talents to achieve our goals.?

?I don?t know Andy, you guys may be better off without me.  You want the truth?  I didn?t speak with my team last week because I was afraid of what they?d say.  I have no idea if they like working for me because I never thought that stuff was important.  I know numbers better than anyone else.  It?s what I do; it?s what I?ve always done.  Motivating people has never been my strength and that?s what we need right now.?

?Linda, we need a lot of things right now, not just motivational skills.  You?ve got analytical abilities like no one else I?ve ever seen.  You?ve got more experience in this business than anyone else in the company.  And you?ve got an unbelievable work ethic and passion for this company.  I?d say those are some critical talents we can?t afford to lose around here.?

?Wow, you make me sound pretty good?. I almost detected a slight smile.

?I can?t say I know where we?re headed on this journey of ours but I know we?ve got some real challenges ahead of us.  Our organization may look very different before we?re done so I can?t make any promises.  All I can say is that I could really use your support right now.  I?ll be honest, though, if you?re going to stay, I need you squarely on the team; not fighting us.  Do you think you can do that??

?Well you know I?ll always challenge the team, but I?ll make sure to do it in a productive way.  No more blowing off assignments or walking out of meetings.?

?Welcome back Linda?