The Assistant

ElshaHawk LoA

Ficlets and Ficly survivor, FicMom, and Mistress of Well-Intentioned Indecision and Goddess of Unrequited Love. @ElshaHawk @HawkandYoung

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"What were the specs that didn't work?" asked the purchaser. He turned to gaze out of the high rise window.

"At 2% vectoring and 5% elasticity the data remained firm," my boss began but he was interrupted by the bored purchaser.

"But you found that to be too complex?"

"It was underwhelming. The results showed a downgrade in favor."

"Can't have that!" chuckled the man. He stepped from the window to his briefcase. He clearly wanted this situation to be over.

"Our simpler methods worked best, " I supplied, trying to speed things along.

"Yes, simpler as in tested and proven. We used some metrics and polls to find the range of opportunity to be.." The boss paused to find the word.

"Preferred," I added.

"Preferred. The favor rose and focus groups were pleased." The boss smiled an Orbitz gum commercial gleaming smile. The purchaser surveyed him, then held out a hand for a shake.

"Keep up the good work!"

They walked out of the room, the door closing between them and me. I sighed. No thanks. No credit.


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Comments (6 so far!)

Robert Quick

Robert Quick

Don't worry, I am sure that the protagonist is treated as a vital employee by their boss. >.> Well anyway, I think that if nothing changes, things will come to a head where the protagonist will either show up their boss or start their own company. Could be cool either way and I am sure that everyone can empathize with this situation.

  • #2151 Posted 8 years ago
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Jim Stitzel

Jim Stitzel

Good bosses will recognize the work of their employees. Bad bosses (like this one) ultimately end up losing good workers.

  • #2167 Posted 8 years ago
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Robert Quick

Robert Quick

@jim You're not wrong but the worst bosses won't care, if they even notice. In their heads they are the victims (of traitorous employee turnover, or facts, or an even more exacting upper management). At the same time they think they deserve the benefits of your hard work. But they won't lose sleep over losing good employees or do anything about it. At least in my experience. Not sure any of this is about writing. I suppose it can translate to motivation for bad bosses. Right, Elsha?

  • #2168 Posted 8 years ago
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ElshaHawk LoA

ElshaHawk LoA

Sorry for the mumbo jumbo but i wanted the focus to be on the interactions, not the business lingo. I do agree with RQ about bosses who don't care and blame other situations for their travesties. I like the discussion that this piece wrought from readers. Many people can relate to having bosses or feeling underappreciated. I was inspired by RQ's initial thoughts that the person should show up the boss or start their own company. And for Jim, hopefully good workers see their value and do leave a bad boss for a better opportunity. Many good workers are afraid of the change, though.

  • #2169 Posted 8 years ago
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PJ Returned

PJ Returned

I wish I had a better grasp on how much the narrator put into the project.

  • #2173 Posted 8 years ago
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ElshaHawk LoA

ElshaHawk LoA

I dunno, but apparently the narrator understands all the data and was invited to the meeting.

  • #2176 Posted 8 years ago
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