The Ideal Team Player

As part of a re-interviewing initiative, during which they meet with current employees to discuss the newly developed cultural focus in the company, Jeff meets with Nancy Morris. Jeff runs through the company’s new culture and the three traits that comprise it. Sensing that Nancy seems distant or guarded during their interaction, Jeff mentions that while targeting all three values is essential to the company, nobody is perfect: “[W]e all struggle in one or more of these areas from time to time” (139). Nancy explains, “Frankly, I just don’t spend a lot of energy on being nice all the time. I’d rather focus on getting things done. Some people don’t like that, I guess” (140). Jeff tells her that Craig once mentioned that he thought she was humble. This has the intended effect: Nancy’s posture changes, she becomes less guarded, and she warms up to the ideas that Jeff presents to her, agreeing to partake in professional development.

The company moves ahead with hiring Craig for the role they had interviewed Ted for. The employee response is positive. A few days later, the executives finally hear back from some of the people from whom they had sought information about Ted. They learn that Ted, while professional, is likely never going to be a good fit at Valley Builders.