After slipping on some protective outerwear, I weaved among the workstations, making my way towards hers. In the wake of my meeting with the lab team, the last thing I needed was them to see friction between us, so I approached her with as much of a calm demeanor as I could muster. Unbelievably, Fiona appeared as if she had no intention of going anywhere. She looked up as I approached, without the slightest hint of concern or worry on her face.
“Fiona.”
“Hello.”
By the time she replied, I stood not more than a foot or so from her. “Is there a problem?”
“Hmm?” she said, glancing up at me. “No. Why. Should there be?”
I couldn’t believe it. Inhaling a deep breath, I drew my arms up and folded them in front of my chest. Before I spoke, I cast a glance around the lab. As I expected, a few pairs of curious eyes watched as I hovered over her, most notably Amanda and Melissa. I turned my attention back towards Fiona and forced a smile.
“Didn’t I ask you to report to my office?”
“Yes.”
As before, she offered no additional explanation or clarification with her reply, instead leaving me to fill the silence. By the way she behaved, it was almost if she was being stubborn on purpose.
“Fiona,” I began, pausing until she looked up at me. Once I made eye contact with her I continued. “This is an urgent matter.”
She shrugged and with hollow sincerity replied, “I understand and I’m sorry, but I’m doing everything I can to meet the deadlines you set.”
“Well, they are my deadlines.” I said, glaring at her for emphasis. “I can alter them as I see fit. Now, come with me.”
“Can’t we discuss whatever it is you want to talk about, here?” Fiona tilted her head back, slid her fingers through her hair and shook it a bit in a subtle show of defiance. Through a mouthful of clenched white teeth, she continued, “After all, you did tell me you wanted me here in the lab making sure things ran smoothly. I would think you’d be pleased I’m doing as you requested.”
I chuckled at her grandstanding. Turning my attention towards Amanda and Melissa, I motioned for both of them to approach. The maneuver surprised Fiona. No sooner had I done it than she shifted in her seat, straightening her spine in response.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Why… Just getting you the help you need.”
Before she had the chance to say anything, Amanda and Melissa were upon us.
“Ladies,” I began, unfolding my arms. I rubbed my hands back and forth with a gentle stroke and nodded towards Fiona. “It seems that Fiona is a bit overwhelmed at the moment. You wouldn’t mind stepping in and helping her out, would you? We’ve got some higher level issues to discuss in my office, but being the responsible leader she is, Fiona is reluctant to delegate, instead preferring to handle things on her own. You’re both able to help I take it?”
Already knowing they’d gladly do it after the stern warning I issued to them, I smiled as they both nodded in agreement. After they did, I turned back towards Fiona.
“There. You see? You’ve got all the help you need.”
Still defiant, Fiona shook her head and looked back down towards her planner. “I’m afraid not. These aren’t just things I can simply dump in their laps and…”
“Try them,” I replied, interrupting her.
Checkmate.
Knowing full well I’d beaten her, I allowed Fiona to attempt a defense. Over the next thirty seconds or so, she rattled off a list of things she had to get done… or else. Yet, as she described each task, I glanced at Amanda and Melissa. Each time they confirmed what I suspected. They can do all of them just as easily and with two of them working as one, get it done it in half the time. With smug satisfaction, I watched Fiona struggle in verbal quicksand; each lie she spoke sending her deeper into defeat. Before long, nothing remained of the precious list and the luxury they afforded her to avoid me. When it was obvious she’d run out of time and excuses, I spoke up once more.
“There,” I said, as I clapped my hands together with a satisfying smack. “That should put you at ease. All of these matters can be dealt with easily and effectively.”
For a brief moment, I wondered if she’d add cleaning the bathrooms to her list as a final show of desperation.
At a volume loud enough for everyone to hear, I put a finer point on my statement.
“The ability to delegate efficiently is the hallmark of a successful executive. That’s what you want to be, isn’t it? I’m sure everyone here would agree with that. Right?”
I glanced at Amanda and Melissa, nodding at them to accept my statement as the fact it was. They obliged. Fiona hesitated for a moment or two as she attempted to conjure up any reason, real or imagined, to willfully disobey me.