How it will work (in theory)

And so, after a series of long meetings and enough e-mail exchanges to fill a tanker, I have a slightly clearer picture of how my new position at work will take shape:

I take over all four garages on Sept 1^st, so we have time to implement all the changes. I have to train one of my staff members up to be a deputy manager/senior staff member when I’m not there, and then the duty manager at the supermarket will be on call to deal with any problems (which they’re delighted about, as you can imagine….)

One of the other filling station guys has accepted a sideways-shift to run a department in his adjoined store. One of them has happily taken redundancy and already has something lined up with a rival company. The other one is happy to stay on as a member of staff and seems quite relieved that his duties are being curtailed and his hours shortened. ‘Never really wanted the promotion to manager in the first place,’ apparently. How much of that is him now finally being honest, and how much is him protecting his ego from the loss of position I don’t know, but I’m glad he’ll still be on hand for me to call on.

Everyone knows now and most people seem quite pleased that I’m the one taking over. Whether that’s because they genuinely like me or because they’re looking forward to seeing me fail, only time will tell.

I’ll have a lot more staff under me than I’ve ever had before, but I’m trying not to let that scare me or let my ego run wild. I’m trying to find a sensible bit of middle ground where I’m slightly nervous but feeling optimistic. I’m not sure I’m achieving that aim yet, but leave it with me….

RC 19-7-18