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Title: Madison
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Blog Entry: November 13, 2014 FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE Resting his arms on the desk, Peter looked directly into Madison’s eyes and said, “I have carefully read your resume, and listened to you describe your experiences working on Wall Street. Madison, I don’t know if you are the right person for the position.” **** “I’m not the right person for the position,” Madison said, shocked. “Peter, I don’t understand. I have thirteen-years of experience on Wall Street. You told me, I have the skills to do the work. So why am I not the right person for the position?” Madison was stunned. No one had ever told her no, that she wasn’t good enough. No one—until now. Madison had to control herself and be careful. She was angry, ready to erupt. Control, Madison, control. He didn’t tell you no. He just made a counter-point. That’s all. “Perhaps, Madison, I can explain myself by asking Mary a question.” “I’m sorry,” Mary said confused. “Peter, what are you talking about?” “You need to understand, Madison, since my wife died, Mary is the one I turn to for help in managing the office And I think she can best describe what it is like to work here. Trying to break the tense moment and restore some levity between Peter and Madison, Mary laughed and said, “Peter Marshall,” Mary laughed. “You want me to tell Madison that you’re the greatest boss in the world.” Peter’s nervous laugh did nothing to alleviate Madison’s impassive expression. Peter said, “Mary, it’s important for Madison to understand. You’ve been with me since the beginning. You know me better than anyone.” Mary put her coffee cup on the table and looked at Madison’s resume before her on the table. Madison was uncomfortable not knowing what to expect. Even worse, she could not remember the last time she had been so confused. I don’t understand. What’s happening? Mary leaned back in her chair and said quietly, “I love Peter. Does that surprise you, Madison?” It took all of Madison’s self-control not to register shock on her face. And even worse. She felt a sense of loss. She had lost Peter. She had just met him and now she had lost him. Steady, Madison, steady. There’s got to be a reasonable explanation. There just has to be. “Don’t get me wrong, Madison. Peter and I are not having an affair and I don’t love him like my husband. But I love him for his integrity and silly humor. I love him for the dignity he gives his employees. He honors and appreciates their contribution to the firm. He’s not their best friend. He’s their best supporter. He gives them the tools to do the job, and then steps back and lets them work. He’s there for them when they get married and when they have a baby. And most importantly, Peter is beside them when there is tragedy in their lives. He’s helped two secretaries escape family abuse and he helped one of our attorney’s whose daughter was critically injured. We work very hard at not allowing stress to overwhelm us or have unattainable expectations of our employees. That’s my Peter.” TO BE CONTINUED