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This is what transpired: Tony, after missing several days of work, came into the office one day merely to use the copy machine. Crosby observed this, and his initial reaction in his own mind was to fire Tony on the spot.
Then, he stopped himself to collect his wits. He engaged his new character plan. He asked Tony if he needed some help with the copy machine. Tony acknowledged that he would need Crosby's help as the copier was locked. Tony made his copy. He was about to leave when Crosby said, "Tony, wait a minute, before you go, can I have a talk with you?" Tony responded, "I am in a bit of hurry, can it wait?" Crosby replied, "No, Tony, it really cannot wait, I really need to talk with you." Tony sat down in a chair across from where Crosby was seated. Crosby continued, "Tony, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and a lot of assessing of my own self, and .well, some of which involves you." "I'm listening," Tony responded. "You see Tony, I have learned some things about myself, and I don't really like what I see. I've been too harsh, too dominating, too rigid in the way I deal with people around here. Maybe you've noticed that." Tony responded, "Well, that's typically the way you are, Crosby. " Crosby continued, "Tony, not anymore! I really am going to try to make some positive changes in the way I have been acting." Tony reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, took one out, lit it up, and belligerently blew smoke right into Crosby 's face. He knew that if Crosby were the same old Crosby , he would be thrown out of the non-smoking building. Instead, Crosby smiled, and invited Tony to chat with him outside on the balcony where it would be more private. Crosby continued, "Tony, in the process of learning some things about myself, I also discovered some things about you that I had not taken the time to notice before." "Like what?" Tony responded. "Well, I have observed that you seem to have a strong propensity for enthusiasm, frankness, and honesty." Tony was suddenly disarmed and all ears because he liked hearing what Crosby was saying. Crosby continued, "I also know you are very analytical, because I have seen that in how you approach your job. Well, Tony, I know you are busy with your family and classes, but could you do me a personal favor?" Tony responded sharply, "Crosby, what in the world could you possibly need from me? You are one of the most self-sufficient people I have ever met in my life!" Tony new there was something different about Crosby, because typically his neck would turn red whenever he was provoked. This time, that did not happen. Crosby continued, "As I mentioned to you, I am trying to make some positive changes in my life, and I was wondering if you could help me be accountable to follow through appropriately with these changes?" Tony asked, "How do you expect I can do that, Crosby?" "Well, Tony, I know you are analytical, and I believe you would be able to use that to evaluate the changes that I am planning to make. You are enthusiastic and frank. If you agree to help me out, I know I could count on your enthusiastic input to tell me exactly what you are observing in a completely honest way." |