Flo

Ben, it’s not going well! I don’t feel on top of things. I don’t seem able to direct my team anymore. Lately, all my decisions are ignored, and our projects are going in all directions. I feel I cannot keep up with my team. Since Ré asked me to be on the operational committee, I’m swamped with meetings, and I’m constantly writing reports that I wonder who reads! Ré has given me great career opportunities — I owe him a lot. But I’m not cutting it. All I do feels wrong.

Ben

Flo, you try to do too much. You need to prioritize. Try to focus on what is most important. You need to accept that you cannot do everything.

Flo

Ben, I cannot give up the committee! We need to submit the plan next month, and then implement it. I don’t want to let Ré down!

Ben

It’s your career, Flo. What’s important to you?

Flo

I don’t know anymore. It’s all important! I wanted so much to do the Z-test for the V5030. I’ve been fighting for this for more than a year. It would all be done if the team had followed me. I don’t have the leadership to do this job!

Ben

You did it before, and the team was all behind you.

Flo

The team has changed. Since Ré asked me to diversify the team’s expertise, I lost half my veterans, and the recruits are stars in their fields but do their own thing and don’t follow any priorities I set. I have lost control of the team. I don’t know how to direct them anymore!

Ben

You don’t have it easy, Flo. Be indulgent with yourself.

Flo

I’m afraid that Ré won’t be! I don’t think Ré will be indulgent with me if I don’t regain control of the team. He’s the only one that understands me and supports me still, but I feel so awful when I’m with him. I’m afraid he feels obliged to encourage me. I feel so humiliated!

Ben

Don’t try to please Ré, Flo. Do what you know is right. You shouldn’t be seeking his approval for doing your job.

Flo

He is my mentor! I cannot ignore him; he’s the president, after all.

Ben

It’s your career, Flo. Not his.

Flo

Lately, despite all his understanding and encouragement, I always feel like a disappointment when I’m with him. I want to regain his esteem!

Ben

Flo, what did you think of Ré’s speech at Ol’s retirement party?

Flo

It was a nice speech, given he had been pushing Ol out the door!

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