As you build your business and political networks/ relationships different people will want to be closer to you and have more influence. This leads to office politics and alliances. It is easy to separate influence when the home front and office are separate but it becomes more complex in a family business. Often when people feel threatened, there's an unnecessary need to compete and with family relationships these are not clearly separated for example when husband and wife work together or with their children and relatives. Threats may be real or imagined and result in office politics or sibling rivalry in the home. This unhealthy competition can be controlled if there’s trust and respect. However, competition isn’t always as a result of mistrust neither is it always negative. Sometimes it brings out the best of us and more often than not births courage, confidence and innovation...
They get into the office - Elan’s office and Al goes to the coffee cabinet. He thoughtfully starts making instant coffee a thing he doesn’t like as he prefers brewed coffee. Finally, he turns to Dela and asks, rather too politely for her liking.
‘Coffee?
Dela, ‘No thanks Sir, just had some.’ She continues to observe his movements. Al finishes making his coffee and sits down while stirring it thoughtfully. He eventually speaks;
‘Dela, how long have you been with us, or rather how long have you worked for Elan?’
Dela frowns, not sure of the direction the conversation is taking.
Dela, ‘Why do you ask?
Al nodes his head gesturing that he is expecting an answer not another question. Realising this is not exactly a friendly conversation, Dela sits up - if it is possible to straighten her back more than it already is, and answers.
'Well, since she came to Nigeria, she actually hired me before she came, well when she had nothing so it was not quite a job then. Just a sister helping another out. I had just been declared redundant and with the poor economic situation and my age, I could not get a befitting position. In the end, I just wanted something to keep me busy...and pay for meals. ’
Impatient with all the detail Al interjects, ‘So 9 - 10 years?’
Dela, ‘9 years 8 months’
Al continues rather sarcastically ‘hmmm! you can keep count! - look, Dela, you have been a great resource to us. Your networks, connections and of course your people management skills have been key to this and our other companies' success. Elan speaks highly of you. Tell me, do you consider yourself her employee or her friend?’
Not sure what he is up to, Dela decides to answer as honestly as she can.
‘A little of both?'
‘Dela, Dela, it is time you distinguish the two.’ Rather exasperated by the lack of clarity in her answers. Dela, on the other hand, is slightly taken aback as normally, Elan would appreciate any honest opinion without cornering her to be specific or precise. Being a people person, she would easily deduce what was being communicated without making an employee feel they were under scrutiny or that their opinion could be used against them.
‘Well,’ she goes on hesitantly.
Al by now has almost lost patience, he interjects. ‘Look, let me help you. You were her personal assistant - emphasis on WERE. You are - personal assistant to the CEO Elan Group. It’s a title, NOT a personal relationship.’
Dela is surprised at how firmly, almost rudely, he has spoken, something he has not been known for. ‘Sir?’
Al, not in a mood for her protest continues sharply, ‘Look, you no longer are HER personal assistant. I now hold the position of CEO Elan Group, you are MY personal assistant. Right now your loyalties lie with me. Am I understood?’
Dela is now speechless ‘Sir!’
Unperturbed Al goes on, ‘Elan is not coming back to this office. Now we value you, if you intend to keep working here you need to know when to speak and when to keep your mouth shut. What you think you saw in there, was nothing. Capisce? You know I love my wife and god help you if you say or do anything - anything that casts a little shade on my marriage!’
If he had hit her head with the fat branding book in the cabinet, she wouldn’t have been more shocked. How could he imagine that that was a topic for discussion with Elan? Realizing that he, after all, had no clue what was in her mind, she relaxes and is more composed. She decides to play along.
‘So what exactly do you think I saw?’ she asks. Throwing the ball into his court.
Al, ‘I don’t know, What did you see?’ He is surprised at her sudden change in attitude and begins to feel slightly uncomfortable. His aggressive posture softening up and he sits back.
‘Look you have worked here for ages. You have nothing to show for your contributions to this company. I could change your life, I can ensure you get shares, have your salary doubled- or tripled if you want.’
Dela, ‘And what will you want in return?’
Al, ‘Your loyalty as my assistant.’
For a second, Dela wonders what her best response should be. This was a couple that had stood a lot through time. She also had a strong relationship with Elan. One she could never compromise. She couldn’t lie or ignore her suspicions, it would not be right. However, given what was at stake, she also could not dare speak the blunt truth at this point. She really didn’t give a hoot what he thought about her. But she could never hurt Elan.
Finally she decides to take a position that had worked well for Elan each time when negotiating; basically getting rid of any advantage he thought he had over her. If he called it a bluff they could deal with it when the need arose.
Finally she decides to take a position that had worked well for Elan each time when negotiating; basically getting rid of any advantage he thought he had over her. If he called it a bluff they could deal with it when the need arose.
Dela, ‘hmmm!’
SEE YOU TOMORROW
