"No-one leaves this room until …………….." I didn't hear the rest of the sentence as I was pondering the menacing tone and veiled threat of these words. The suits sat round a large, long table. At the top of the table sat the boss of bosses and next to him the money man. We were all playing the numbers game but the take was down. The capital projects would have to be put on hold. Contracts were to be taken out. Some people didn't realise when they were on to a good thing may be some one should tell them. We would negotiate by making them an offer they couldn't refuse. Accept the new terms and conditions or join the unemployed. A reporter from the local rag was asking questions. Make sure people know what to say. Would the politicians play ball? They want to get re elected don't they! Word had come back that some individuals were taking liberties; bosses were told "keep your people in order".Money or the lack of it and fear for your own future these senior management team meetings were becoming more like something from a mafia movie. But as the chief exec said "it's not personal it's just business".You have the strength of character to make the difficult decisions, cut pay, make people redundant, reduce services to vulnerable people and renege on deals with partners. After all it's not personal it's just business.Blair McPherson author of People management in a harsh financial climate published by Russell house now swims with the fishes having been "retired" .http://www.blairmcpherson.co.uk/
