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Title: Madison CHAPTER 5
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Blog Entry: CHAPTER 5   Madison knew all about greed, selfishness, deception, and unethical practices. Thirteen years on Wall Street had exposed her to those negotiation tactics. What she didn’t know was nice. Peter Marshall was nice. Introduced to him, Madison found his handshake greeting was genuine and his smile warm. Joining them in Peter’s office was Mary Jamison, the Criminal Law Division Manager. For the next few minutes, Peter laughed often as he told stories, mostly about himself, on silly things he had done. Impressed with his infectious personality, Madison found herself wanting the position even more than she had imagined. Standing several inches over six feet, he was a handsome man with black hair that had a bit of curl around the edges. Not allowing himself to be distracted, Madison was pleased his focus remained on the person speaking to him. “You have a beautiful office, “Mr. Marshall.” Peter smiled and said, “You must know the first rule in my office. I only answer to the name of Peter. We only use first names around here, and we’re all in the same boat, trying to make a living. The only difference between myself, and the staff is I have to pay the mortgage. And yes, it is a beautiful office. My late wife Lori designed it. That’s her portrait with our two children behind my desk.” “Then Peter it shall be,” Madison responded. A ten-foot round-conference table anchored the entrance to the office with Peter’s desk at the opposite end. Madison was impressed his desktop was clean with only a framed picture, a telephone, and the stack of papers he had been reading. Reports, and files perpetually covered her desk. Inviting Madison and Mary to join him at the conference table, Peter said, “Let’s get started.” For the first time in a very long time, Madison was nervous. Peter was unlike anyone she had ever met. And she desperately wanted to work with him. “Your resume, Madison.” “Yes, Peter?” “Forget it.” “Forget it?” Madison said, surprised. “I don’t understand.” “I’ve read it. You could do the job sitting on your hands. Let’s talk about what is important. Are you nervous, Madison?” Madison caught herself suddenly swallowing and that upset her. She didn’t like to reveal her emotions in any negotiations. And she was negotiating with Peter for the job. She had made the mistake of revealing that she was anxious. That could place her at a disadvantage. Her icy persona was gone. But her foundation of honesty remained untouched. Peter had asked her a question. It deserved an honest answer. Was she nervous? “Yes, I have to admit, Peter, that I am a bit nervous.” “Me too,” Peter said with a grin.   Next, The Interview Continues.