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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 10
Piers started his tour of the Guardian Regional Offices in New York.
He'd spoken at length with Josef before deciding on how to tackle the project.
"I've been chatting with Jace in Chicago, he can spare me several days to set up a system for auditing closed operations, that's were I'm intending to start, looking at what they've been doing historically, then showing them how to improve going forward, Jace's help will be invaluable".
Jo was impressed to say the least.
"I'll drop him a line later today, just to say Hi and to thank him for his help, I'm pretty sure your input is going to have an absolutely massive impact on our performance figures for this financial year, I'm looking for you to achieve an average five percent saving on costs and waste combined, across all regions if you can achieve that, we add an extra nineteen million dollars to our pre tax profit position, good luck Piers, and thanks for taking this on".
Piers was all but glowing.
"No thanks necessary Jo, I'll actually be aiming to get each region as close to a sixty six percent spend as possible, I've always thought the eighty percent spend budget was far too generous, it encourages waste".
Josef's reply actually shocked Piers.
"Piers, I don't want to daunt you but, nearly a third of our regions are operating at between eighty five and ninety percent spend, now do you see why we need you to find out what the hell is going on?, if we can't reverse the trend, we may have to consider withdrawing from those regions, they are coming close to being commercially unviable".
Piers reply was almost said in a fog, he was trying hard to imagine how that sort of spend was achieved.
"Wow Jo, that's ridiculous, there has to be some serious waste in those results, or someone's making serious miscalculations in the costings, it's fairly simple, either we're paying out too much for whatever reason, or we're not charging enough, again for whatever reason, thanks for the heads up".
It took Jace around two days to build an auditing sheet which they both agreed would cover the areas Piers needed to examine however, even without any in depth knowledge of the business, Jace queried why Financial, Requisition, and Logistics were operating as three separate departments.
"Piers, that's a mistake, Requisition and Logistics have to be together, and Finance should be on hand to operate the billing structure according to what has been supplied, operatives should have a good working knowledge of all three procedures, they should be able to gather ordnance for requisition, arrange logistics, then trigger the billing process, from memory that's how I remember you operate, why is it different here?".
Piers was honest.
"I don't know Jace, I'm pretty sure it wasn't like this the last time I visited, but that's at least two years ago, I'll try to establish who changed the process, and why".
It took Piers a little over two weeks to compile his report on the North American Region, and it wasn't good reading, in fact, as the different elements came together, he was amazed the region made any profit at all.
Processes were fragmented, requisition habitually ordered way more ordnance than was necessary, even on minor operations, logistics often added further ordnance without explanation, and finance raised the billing process according to the original estimated requirements without cross referencing what had been supplied, it was a disaster.
Piers established that the current Regional Head had changed the processes around a year and a half previously, when he took up office, since then the headcount for three separate departments as opposed to the original one, had almost tripled, though turnover had increased only slightly.
He'd attempted to gain an interview with the Regional Head, to try and understand why the processes had been changed, and to agree a timeline for changing back to a process that would mimic his own however, it seemed an impossible task, it appeared he was barely tolerated within the offices, there was absolutely no goodwill toward him, and certainly no intent to help him change anything.
Piers sent his finished report to Josef and Rick, with a recommendation that an immediate. change of process be implemented to mimic the Australasia model however, there would be redundancies, he estimated the Requisition/Logistics/Financial area, where there were currently sixty staff, was overstaffed by two thirds, there would be forty unwanted staff, further, as the Regional Head had made it abundantly clear he would not work with Piers, Josef would need to step in.
Piers had been staying with Danny and Petre at the Apartment overlooking Central Park, and he was getting restless, he'd been away from home for three weeks, away from Milo.
He'd identified the required number of staff to be retained from the three departments affected however, his requests for meetings with both the Regional Head and HR, fell continually on stony ground.
On the verge of sending Josef a message informing him it was a waste of time, and he was going home, Josef and Carry turning up at the apartment really surprised him.
Piers had been studying project proposals and estimates when the doorbell rang, he'd thought it unusual because the concierge was supposed to announce visitors, but he'd gone to answer it anyway.
When he opened the door Jo greeted him.
"Hi Piers, I heard you needed the big guns, so here I am".
Piers couldn't help it, Boss or not, they were family, so it was hugs all round before they got to chat.
"I can't make any headway Jo, HR don't respond to my requests for meetings, the Regional Head totally ignores me, it takes me around fifteen minutes every morning just to get through lobby security, they're making it as difficult as possible, I'm now at an impasse, I can't go any further, and to be honest I'm tired".
Josef was shaking his head.
"I have to be honest Piers, I knew it wasn't good here, but reading your report, I had no idea it was that bad, and for there to be resistance to any plan to improve efficiency, profitability, to keep the region operating, well that just beggars belief, I'm going to be with you in the morning, and no one knows I'm here, so let's have some fun with lobby security first".
As he finished talking the doorbell rang again and Piers commented.
"This is ridiculous, are concierge asleep downstairs.
Piers got up to answer the door, when he opened it he got the shock of his life, there stood Milo.
"Hello my love, pleased to see me?".
Piers launched himself at Milo, wrapping his arms around him.
"Oh wow, that's the best surprise I could ever have wished for, now I can knock down walls".
As they came into the lounge Josef and Carry were laughing at how Piers was bouncing around.
Josef carried on talking to Piers.
"I know I'm asking a lot of you Piers, but this first exercise has proven the need for drastic measures, I knew you would identify the problems and find a solution, I also knew you would be missing Milo, so when I read your report, and learned of the barriers being placed in your way, I decided the Regional Head has to go, as of tomorrow, Milo will assume the post of Temporary Regional Head North America/Canada, whilst you carry out your reorganisation, he will be looking to find a new Regional Head".
After dinner Josef returned to the topic of restructuring.
"I'm not sure how much Milo has told you about my plans for restructuring our upper management, but I know he won't have told you about a post that gained approval in yesterday's Board Meeting, that of Global Audit Director, that's you Piers, from now on I want every Region to fall in line with your wishes, you dictate the process, no one deviates from it without your express permission, for now you have the finance in place to take on a staff of two, we'll need to monitor that, probably increase it, I want your office making continual unannounced visits around the globe, ensuring we don't encounter this problem again".
Piers was gobsmacked.
"I don't know what to say Jo, other than thanks for having faith in me, and I know who I want as my two staff, they're a couple of the good ones here, they know the old system, my system, but they're both due to retire in around two years, I think this will be right up their street, I'll introduce you tomorrow".
They'd enjoyed a lovely evening, even more so when Danny and Petre came back from a Gallery opening they'd attended, then the evening just became more animated with everyone catching up.
Next morning Piers once again walked into the lobby of Guardian's New York Offices, only to be directed to wait on one side, it was the same as every other morning, except this morning he had Josef and Milo with him.
Josef addressed the security officer.
"You obviously don't understand, as a CEO in his position of number two for the Australasia Division, Piers is guaranteed automatic entry into any and all Guardian Offices, why are you delaying him?".
The guard looked bored but he answered.
"Orders, I get them, I implement them, simple as".
Josef asked further.
"Orders from whom, and you don't even know who I am, are you denying me entry?".
The guard sighed.
"From the Regional Head, and I don't really care who you are, if you're with him, you don't get in, not until I'm told to let you in, or eject you".
Josef's reply, as he pulled out his cell phone and pressed a preset number, now shocked the security guard.
"That's rather unfortunate, an action you might come to regret".
It was obvious as he finished answering the guard his call had been answered.
"This is Josef Caswel-Thorn, Chairman of Guardian Securities International, connect me with Guardian two and three, and have your Senior Controler patch in to the call ..... Juan, Rick, I'm in the lobby of our New York Office with Aus one and two, we are all denied access to the building, Control, this is an order for you, I am issuing an Executive Order, shut down this operation immediately, all electronic and telephonic traffic is to be diverted to HQ, close down all portals until further notice, contact the Head of Security for this office and advise that person the Chairman requires their presence immediately in the lobby, if you don't hear from me within exactly one hour, contact NYPD and ask for assistance with an internal problem, thank you".
Turning to the security guard who by now was staring with complete shock, Josef said.
"I'm guessing, if your boss has even the most basic of survival instincts we should see him, or her, here within minutes".
In fact it was only around three minutes later that an elderly, overweight, sweating man emerged from the elevator and hurried toward them, helped by the guards pointing finger.
"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience sir, please, follow me, I'll escort you to the Executive Floor".
No one answered him, all three followed him to the elevators.
Exiting the elevator they were shown into a large office with corner windows that gave a beautiful panoramic view out over New York, in front of the window was an angry looking man who obviously hadn't been advised that Josef was in the building, because he launched into an immediate scathing verbal attack on Piers.
"I take it that was you who stupidly ordered the shutdown of our systems, have you any idea how that affects our performance, I will make sure the board hears of your incompetence because it's bordering on criminal espionage".
Josef snapped back.
"Have you any idea who you are addressing?, he's Piers Grant-Alonso-Bowles-Cruz, Joint CEO of the Continent of Australasia, you on the other hand are Regional Head of the City of New York, I think you'll find he outranks you quite spectacularly, and just so you have all of the facts, he didn't order the shutdown of this building, I did, your Chairman, and now I'm giving you fifteen minutes to collect any immediately available personal items you wish to take with you, Security will escort you off the premises, your services are terminated forthwith".
Josef nodded to the Head of Security, who nodded back his understanding.
As the Regional Head was escorted from the office, a woman's voice was heard to say.
"Thank god, let sanity reign at last".
Josef spotted her entering the office and recognised her, she was Edwina Murray, Deputy Regional Head.
"Eddy, what the hell, I didn't know you were back, have you any idea what's been going on in this office?".
She held out her hand which Josef took in greeting.
"Someone appointed that madman eighteen months ago, you know I've been managing the Midwest Region, I only got back yesterday and the stories I've heard are crazy, it's good to see you Jo, is Carry with you?, I could use a catch up and a shopping adventure".
Josef smiled.
"She is, I don't think you know Milo or Piers, they're Joint CEO's of Australasia, Miles will take over as acting Regional Head and be responsible for replacing the knob head I just kicked out".
It was obvious she was not happy with what Josef had just said by the way she now responded.
"So let me get this clear Mr Chairman, I'm good enough to manage the Midwest Region for nearly two years, no mean feat I would add, but I have to interview for the role of Regional Head, really, you're serious?, well don't be shocked to hear I'm not impressed, now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do".
At that she walked out, Milo made a grimace, Jo did the same back, saying.
"Yes, I'm inclined to agree with her but it doesn't change anything, I want absolute assurance that the next appointed Regional Head is the right candidate, your appointment stands, you will decide who fills the position, I will not intercede, I will speak to her before I leave and smooth the waters for you, but that's all".
Josef now addressed the Head of Security.
"All systems have been disabled, send runners around every department, I want every employee in the lobby in fifteen minutes where I will address them personally".
Before heading down to the lobby Josef stopped by Eddy's office.
"Eddy, I'm sorry, I would feel exactly the same as you do in your position, but I'm not going to intercede, if you want the position you have to impress Milo, he's good, in fact that's something of an understatement, he's a bloody guru, apart from the fact that he once tried to kill me by hitting me over the head with a table lamp, I've never had reason to question his judgment, and in all honesty, that episode had a lot to do with the fact that I was strangling his son at the time, so his actions were somewhat mitigated".
Eddy laughed.
"I ought to be really angry with you Jo, I've worked my butt off for this company, I've undertaken role after role, like the Midwest one, which all outranked the position of Regional Head here in New York, it's an insult to be asked to interview for the position and I'm not sure I want to participate, if I didn't know the pressure you're under after that last pratt I would walk right now, so forgive me if I'm a little sharp, now come on, I believe you are addressing the guys".
They traveled down together in the elevator to find the lobby packed.
Josef addressed the assembly from a first floor balcony which hung out over the lobby floor.
"Thank you for being here, I'm Josef Caswel-Thorn your Chairman, I won't go into details why, but suffice it to say, I've just sacked your Regional Head and replaced him temporarily with Milo Grant-Alonso-Bowles-Cruz, yeh, I know, it's a right mouthful but he's a great guy who'll insist, whoever you are, call him Milo, and his husband is Piers, who's been here for the last two weeks on my orders trying to work out a way to save this office from closure, and Piers assures me, this operation is viable, it can be saved by implementing the practice and process he has already proved to be successful, so I urge you, work with him, Piers is another good guy, he and Milo are actually Joint CEO's of our Australasia Division, they run a continent of offices, and every one of them out performs this office, that's why, when they tell me this office can be turned around, I believe them, now your systems will go live again at midday, until then, have a coffee, catch up with friends, go do your shopping if you like, but be ready to re-boot at midday, thank you".
Milo had organised a meeting of the three departments which Piers would be restructuring.
"Guys, there's no way to sugar coat what I have to say, your three departments are going to undergo radical reform, and there will be approximately twenty redundant personnel, I have banned all external recruiting, thus giving the excess employees chance to apply for any position which becomes available in another department, but I'm asking for volunteers for redundancy, no questions will be asked, if you have another job secured and were planning to leave Guardian, then apply for redundancy, help out your colleagues who want to remain here, are there any questions?".
A woman raised her hand, Piers stepped forward, expecting a question about the restructuring, but he giggled when he heard the question.
"I have a question but it's not about the company, can I still ask if?".
Piers was still giggling, he knew what was coming as he nodded his acceptance.
"I went to a concert recently, it was, I believe, your son Pil and his partner DJ, I just wanted you to pass on my thanks, it was one of the best experiences ever, sorry if I've wasted your time".
Piers pulled out his cell phone and dialled a number.
"It's around breakfast time back home, let's see if they're awake".
His question was answered when, from his cell phone, on loud speaker came.
"Poppa, what a lovely surprise, I love you, where's Poppa Milo and when are you coming home, I'm heading outside, DJs having breakfast".
Everyone in the room was oohing and ahhing as a Piers answered.
"I love you too son, and I'm missing you too, Poppa Milo is here with me, but we're in a meeting and a lady wanted me to pass on her thanks for your recent performance in New York, would you be okay to speak with her?".
Pil's obvious enthusiasm was evident, and DJ could be heard now agreeing.
"Yes of course, pass your cell, we'd love to have a chat".
Piers passed his cell phone over and they chatted for about ten minutes before she passed the phone back, Piers spoke to Pil before ending the call.
"We'll be home soon son, give your brothers our love".
As the meeting ended and staff were returning to their desks, Piers called two people, Sandra, affectionately known as Sandy, and James, or as he preferred Jim, to join him, he took them to his office where they were surprised to find Josef waiting.
Sandy didn't wait for anyone to speak.
"It's okay, Jim and I expected it, as the oldest we would be the first to be let go, it's sad, but we're resigned to the fact".
Josef smiled as he answered.
"Well it's true you are top of the list for persons who won't be working in that department, but only if you agree to Piers proposal, if not your jobs are safe, I'll let him explain, I just wanted to meet the two he rated as outstanding".
Both were now totally confused, and staring expectantly toward Piers.
"Okay, well what Jo said is right, and yes, you are the oldest, and the most knowledgeable, which is exactly what I need to staff a brand new department, Global Financial Auditing, I want you as roving auditors, doing unannounced worldwide visits, the process that's being introduced here is being rolled out worldwide, our board don't want any deviation, it's to be followed explicitly, so do you fancy taking it on?".
Both were staring open mouthed, until Sandy snapped out of the fog.
"I'd say we'd be pleased to be of service, and god bless you".
Piers worked tirelessly to incorporate the three departments back into one, and implement the new process, despite the resistance encountered from three Heads of Department who were each trying to derail his work, until he finally snapped, calling all three into his office.
"I don't understand you, I'm trying to save hundreds of jobs and all I've encountered from you three is resistance, well I've had it with you, put your names forward for redundancy and enjoy a month of garden leave, or be dismissed, I won't put up with your petty meddling any longer".
They each tried to object, but none of them knew Milo had walked in behind them, his voice silenced them.
"I believe Piers gave you a choice, make it and take it, alternatively you will be leaving shortly with no redundancy, it's your choice".
When they'd left Milo spoke again.
"Piers what have we let ourselves in for, I'm bloody exhausted, I assume you have a Head of Department in mind?".
Piers nodded.
"With your approval I'm going to appoint the person who's been doing their three jobs while they've been busy infighting and causing me problems, he's unusually young, but he commands respect, and he reminds me of you".
Milo giggled saying.
"In that case I'm sold, he's a saint".
Piers shook his head.
"Come with me".
On the department floor, everyone was working, but one guy stood out, every few seconds there would be a question directed at him, from a college who was unsure, he'd dodge quickly to their port, explain the new process, then dodge back to his own port.
Milo nodded.
"I agree, offer it to him".
Piers was surprised.
"Don't you want to do it?".
Milo looked at Piers.
"Piers, this is not a problem I solved, I didn't even know it existed, you took it onboard and dealt with it, you did the shit bit, sacked the imbeciles, now bask in the glory, the part where you actually make someone's day, I'll be in my office if you want to bring him up to say hello".
Milo then left him.
Piers called for attention.
"Would you all log yourselves into busy, use 'meeting' as a reason, I need to talk to you".
He gave them a couple of minutes to be ready, then.
"Okay, I've just removed the three Heads of Department from the running to head up this department, none of them made the grade in my opinion, so I'm about to appoint who I want to Head up this Department, and I know you will approve my decision, that's how confident I am that I'm right, so do you trust me?".
As a whole they looked anxious but they still all nodded in agreement.
Piers walked around until he was behind Tim's desk, then laying his hand on Tim's shoulder he said.
"Timothy Bennett, I have watched you, seen you darting around this department, helping your colleagues, that's the way I want to leave this place, knowing that the department is in safe hands, so, if you will accept the position of Head of Department stand up, and I'll take you up to Milo to get your position formalised".
The applause from his colleagues said it all as Tim stood up, and Piers stated.
"Do you hear that?, they all believe you earned this, don't disappoint me, remember, you're only as good as they are, keep helping them, they're looking to you for leadership".
Tim nodded, he was in a fog, but he still spoke.
"I'm blown away, ..... I don't know what to say, ....... But yes, ........ If you agree to one thing, ...... I don't want an office, I work here, where everyone can get to me, the stupidest thing I see is a them and us culture, I don't approve of it, I can manage if you want me too, but it will be from here, in the thick of the action".
Piers was laughing as he answered.
"That's your decision, not mine, no constraints, you run your department however you see fit, I want you, they want you".
He could be seen to be thinking about it before he nodded.
"Okay, I accept, I won't let you down".
Piers laughed.
"I already knew that, come on, Milo wants to say congratulations".
Tim was visibly surprised.
"He's expecting me, how?".
Piers put an arm around his shoulder, guiding him toward the door laughing.
"Because he might be a Demigod but he's you really, and he's never changed, he's Milo, the bloke you can ask the question of, and he won't question why you don't know the answer, he'll just help you, does that sound vaguely familiar?".
Tim smiled.
"My kind of guy".
Piers only answered with one word.
"Exactly".
It was three weeks before Milo and Piers left New York.
One day before they departed Milo had called Eddy into his office.
"I'm not a pushover, I don't trust the deputies of deposed Regional Heads, I was prepared to not like you, and then Josef wouldn't validate you, I admit that threw me, but there was something about you, I've been hard on you I admit that, but I will also admit, you passed every test with flying colours, I have no idea how you didn't physically attack me over these past three weeks, but whatever, if you want it, Regional Head is yours".
Eddy didn't flinch as she answered, and contrary to what she said she wasn't being cocky.
"I don't want it, I only fought for it to prove my worth, the fact you needed convincing hurt me, so thanks, but no thanks".
Milo nodded.
"Exactly as Jo predicted, I believe he's on conference waiting for us to join in".
Milo pressed a button and the wall screens came to life, but it wasn't Josef who spoke, it was Juan.
"Eddy, it's been too long, you need to come meet my new guy, now what am I hearing about you rejecting Head of Region, stop being a cow Eddy, it was a process, none us doubted you, we all knew you'd win out, and you did so what's the problem?".
Eddy was completely blank faced as she answered Juan.
"You shouldn't have done it, and you know it, I played along to prove a point, now you can shove it, I quit".
At that, to Juan and Milo's dismay, she got up and walked out of Milo's office, as she closed the door behind her Milo said.
"That went well, so now what?".
At that point Josef appeared on screen.
"We bring in the cavalry, expect Eddy to be missing for several hours around lunchtime, don't ask why, if the plan works she'll be back in your office before five o'clock".
Milo had no idea what Josef was talking about.
Eddy had left the office for lunch, heading to a small side street Bistro she'd favoured for several years, and showing absolutely no surprise at finding Carry already there when she walked in.
"Carry, why am I not surprised to find you here, too busy to come himself, or don't I merit a personal visit these days?".
Carry rose to hug Eddy.
"You know as well as I do, if he'd been here he wouldn't have asked me to stand in, he had to return to HQ yesterday, I heard you told Milo to shove the job, and let's get something straight, Milo understands, he, Juan, and Jo got into something of a heated conversation after you left his office, and believe me when I tell you, Milo doesn't hold back, Jo told me that he and Juan ended up with severely singed ears, which I can fully believe".
Eddy smiled, then changed the subject.
"At least it gives you and me a chance to catch up, how's my Goddaughter, I was sorry I couldn't get to the wedding, she married someone in the company didn't she, I really should make time to meet him and his family, lay down the Godmother rules".
Carry laughed.
"Yes, Vinny, they're good, they have two children, still living mostly with us in Torremolinas at the Nest, but you might want to go easy on staging an attack on Vinny, his Poppa almost killed Jo with a table lamp when he tried it".
Eddy looked puzzled.
"I thought it was Milo who did that, you mean....................".
Carry was still chuckling.
"Yes, none other, Milo and Piers are Vinny's Poppas, it seems you've already met at least two of his family, anyway, can we stop avoiding the issue and get back to the reason I came here".
Eddy's expression visibly hardened.
"He made me interview for a job Carry, and not just any job, one that's a two bit version of what I've been doing for nearly two years, I remember him begging me to go and clean up the Midwest, I've worked my ass off for two years and I get this treatment when I return, he's lucky I didn't just smack him in the face".
Carry let her vent, before speaking.
"He did it for a reason Eddy, he never doubted you would breeze through anything Milo set up with flying colours, but he needed to send a message, a strong message, right around the globe, do your job right or you'll be out, he knew what everyone expected, that you would just pick the reigns back up in New York, and he admits, he'd have had no concerns with that, except that it would have sent totally the wrong message around the globe, so he risked your wrath for the overall good of the company, and he's sorry he had to do it".
They'd had lunch, chatted animatedly for several hours, before Carry addressed the elephant in the room.
"What will you do Eddy?, none of us want you to leave".
She grinned.
"Tell him okay, I don't mind that he used me to send out an important message, but his method was wrong, he should have told me, he should have trusted me, there's a big difference between being used, and feeling used, that's how I felt and he could have avoided that, now I guess I ought to get back before I get sacked, take care Carry, knee him in the nuts for me when you get home".
At four thirty in the afternoon Eddy walked into Milo's office.
"So when exactly do I get this office?".
Milo smiled.
"Tomorrow if that suits you, too bad if it doesn't because I'm leaving, it's your baby going forward".
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.