Little White Lies by Paul Watkins Read Free Book Online Page B

I’m not sure how much help I can be, ‘cause I’ve never worked on no budget before. All anybody ever did was tell me what I could buy and what I couldn’t buy. I never did no budget work.”
    “I understand, Ned, but you certainly know more about what has to be done here than I do. Look, there’s no magic to it; you know what work is required and what it takes to do it. We just have to figure out how much it will cost in time and materials. Nothing will be chipped in stone. If we’re off in our estimate, then we’ll make adjustments. But any plan is better than no plan. Later on, if you think of other things, then we’ll add them in at that time.
    “A budget is nothing more than a plan reduced to writing with cost estimates for time and materials factored in. No big deal, but I really need some help and I would appreciate working with you on it. Then once we’ve gone through the process, it will get easier as we go along.”
    Ned smiles. His teeth are big, white and perfectly even. Any orthodontist would be proud, but my guess is Ned never had the need or the benefit of such pricey services in his youth. His perfect teeth are more likely the result of good genes.
    “You know, Philip,” he continues, “I’ve never worked for anybody before who cared what I thought. You’ll have to give me some time to get used to the idea.”
    His comment is followed by a deep rumble of a laugh that seems to be coming from somewhere near the center of the earth. Shifting tectonic plates probably make about the same racket.
    This appears to be a good time to let Ned know my work and management philosophy. I want everyone here to understand what I’m trying to do and how I want it done. Too often in business the wrong attitude takes hold and it can never be completely removed. If possible, it’s usually better if all the philosophical stuff can be covered in the early going.
    “Look Ned,” I begin, “I’m not much on titles, but anyone who manages other people probably should have one. Your title will be Grounds Superintendent. You will be a player-coach and you will be expected to get the most out of your people. I’ll spend some time with you so that we will both have a full understanding of what has to be done. How it’s done will be up to you. I expect every manager to work in his or her ownstyle. However, I want all employees to be treated fairly and with respect. We will pay them a fair wage and expect them to work for it. sort of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. Any problems so far?”
    “No, sir,” Ned replies.
    “Philip. I would prefer that you call me, Philip.” Ned nods his head in agreement and kicks the dirt in apparent disgust for forgetting my request. “Ned, you will probably hear me say this from time to time to different people. We are all employees here working for Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. You should understand that your job is just as important as my job or anybody else’s. Our jobs are just different with different ranges of responsibility. But if you don’t do your job well, then my job gets tougher. And it’s the same for you if I don’t do my job well. In other words, we have to work together. Every job is important… some may be a little more important than others at any given moment, but they are all important. It has nothing to do with pay, or age, or gender, or whatever. It has everything to do with the task that is your responsibility.
    We will have to work together to see to it things run right. Anytime you have a problem, I want you to discuss it with me if you can’t handle it. Otherwise, you are paid to manage. Do your job. And don’t worry about mistakes… we all make them. The important thing is how quickly we recover and get back on track.”
    Ned looks me in the eye and nods very deliberately as I conclude my little speech.
    “I’ll do my best. I’ll start working on the list of things that have to be done… and I’ll get prices to help with the