You identified that gap in real time in a conference call without preparation. I want to know if you'd be willing to work with us to address it. Marcus looked at the four pages of notes on the corner of his desk. What would that involve? He said, an initial consultation, a few sessions, probably.
We'd compensate you for your time and expertise. Ideally, we'd formalize it into a working relationship over several months. She paused. I want to be honest with you about something. The reason your department was assessed incorrectly is partly systemic and partly human.
Someone in our intake process cut a corner. I want to make sure that doesn't happen to other people in positions like yours. People who are performing at a level the template can't see. She let that sit for a moment. I think you understand what I'm describing better than most.
He understood exactly what she was describing. Send me the details, he said. I'll review them. After the call, he sat at his desk and didn't move for approximately 90 seconds. Then he picked up his phone and called Clare.
She was in a client meeting. She texted back. Can't talk. What happened? He typed.
Ranata Simmons just offered me a formal consulting arrangement. 3 seconds. Then Marcus. Then I'm ending this meeting early. Then do not make any decisions until we talk.
He smiled at his phone. He put it back in his pocket and went back to work and the four pages of notes sat in the corner of his desk all afternoon, quietly accumulating significance. That evening, Clare appeared at his door at 6:30 without croissants, just herself. In her afterwork clothes, her professional composure slightly loosened around the edges in a way he had come to recognize as the version of her he trusted most. "Tell me everything," she said.
"He told her everything. " She listened at his kitchen table with her hands flat on the surface in front of her, her eyes on his face, not interrupting. When he finished, she was quiet for a moment. "What are you going to do? " she said. I'm going to take the meeting, he said. The consulting arrangement, I want to understand what it entails before I commit to anything.
But I'm to take the meeting. She nodded. Good. It means something additional on top of the hotel job. I need to think about the time commitment.