No Blue Skies
by Ian Curtress
She didn’t
feel guilty about taking two weeks off she
thought as she leant over the cruise liner rail.
She had done far more than her share to put the
Company in profit again.
Her salary was excellent but she earned every
penny.
The Company had been a sound business three years
ago, before the then new CEO was brought in. A
golf club appointment! Knew nothing about the
Company which doesn’t matter if you have
good management abilities, a quick mind and a
willingness to listen and a confidence which
inspires others.
He had none of these attributes. It appeared the
Board soon saw the problem but could do little
about it as his contract was watertight for three
years. Their solution was to bring her in, known
for her skills at turning Companies around.
These situations are thwart with possible clashes
and confrontations but in this case he was aware
of his shortcomings and went along for the ride,
you might say.
His three years were up and he left, with a
silver handshake last week. Hence a sigh of
relief and this cruise.
All chairs were full, passengers enjoying the
sunshine. A voice said I know you can only see
ocean and sunshine but it’s pretty good isn’t
it.
She half turned to see a rather distinguished man
smiling. It’s gorgeous she replied I would
be happy for it to continue, forget land.
If you weren’t looking so relaxed I would
think that statement ominous he said.
Oh no…..it’s just I have had little
time to think of a vacation for three years, head
down twelve hour day.
That is not healthy he said. No matter how hard
working and efficient one is you will find you
make mistakes, spend more time rectifying them
and a catch twenty two situation.
I have hit those brick walls and shocked everyone
by taking a week off at the peak of the problem.
Spent it gardening.
In early the following Monday morning and by
Wednesday the ship on an even keel again. That
sounds appropriate given where we are.
She liked this man. She wasn’t on a cruise
to talk business but he was a breath of fresh air.
Then he quickly said I’m sorry, I should not
be reminding you of business and interrupt your
admiration for the sea and sky.
Don’t apologise, that was just what I needed.
I have no one to take me to task or bring me up
with jolt.
Do you have an understanding Wife she asked. Oh
you have caught me out.
No. Too busy for relationships, no real excuse I
admit. I know I am missing so much and can’t
recover those years, but I hope to put that right.
I’m taking up a new position shortly and
will be delegating. I shall make it an art form!
What about you when you return to the real world.
I hope to lead a normal life, normal hours and
perhaps normal relationships she said. I have had
three intense years putting a Company back on a
sound footing and can relax with it back on an
even keel, as you put it and without the midnight
oil.
He looked a little more serious when he said do
you think we could stop each other from thinking
of work for the next two weeks. It’s a deal
she said putting her hand out. She thought he
held it a little longer than necessary.
Before the cruise was due to end they knew the
affection they had for each other was not going
to end at the dockside.
He was on the point of buying a house just a few
miles from where she lived and he asked her to
give him a week to settle in to his new
appointment and then they would both join the
real world!
When she walked into her office on the Monday
morning. She was a different person The world was
out there and she was going to join it.
Her secretary said the new CEO had taken up his
position and wanted to be brought up to date with
the “Troubleshooter” is 9.30 suitable.
She was slightly apprehensive as shown into his
office…..but then
His secretary looked shocked when after a seconds
silence there was a burst of laughter and he said.
………No blue skies I’m afraid!
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