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“I don’t deal in rumors. Who’s been spreading them?”
“No one. This is my interpretation of the emerging fact pattern.”
Simone had rehearsed that part well. With Robert aware that she’d deduced the truth, he’d be less apt to be suspicious of her subsequent questions or the avenues she was pursuing.
“I see that McKinsey chooses its people wisely.” That much Robert acknowledged. “I hope the results warrant the exorbitant fee we’re paying you.”
“Compliment accepted. I’ll let my work speak for itself. And speaking of work, I requested this time with you so I could ask you a few questions that only you can answer.”
Robert inclined his head and waited.
“Let’s talk about the politics of your direct reports and how succession planning influences that. I know you’re reticent to discuss change at the helm of the company, so let’s approach this as a hypothetical and discuss succession plans that I’m sure are in place here, in the event that they’re needed. Should you choose to retire, who in the company is in line to succeed you? Would the board prefer to appoint your successor from within the company or go outside? And since there’d only be one winner in this Tour de France, how would each one of the people on your list respond to losing?”
Robert didn’t look happy. “Why are we talking about succession planning when the reason for your consulting engagement is to improve the functioning of the manufacturing department?”
“Sometimes dysfunction is intentional and orchestrated at the request of other department leaders. If someone wanted to undermine Vance and his department, they might use their department and its resources to make the manufacturing team seem less competent and capable.”
“O
kay.” Robert eased up a bit, since he was unable to argue with Simone’s logic. “I’ll answer your hypothetical questions. Assuming I was considering stepping down as CEO, let’s start with Vance, your odds-on favorite to win the race. He’s been with me since the beginning. This company wouldn’t be where it is today without him. I think he would be an excellent choice.”
“And if the board disagreed with you, how would he respond?”
“That’s a tough question,” Robert said, stroking his beard pensively. “I think any candidate on the list would be hugely disappointed. As soon as word got out, the candidates not selected for the position would immediately be solicited by executive recruiters and competitors looking to upgrade their talent pool. As to whether or not my executives would jump ship would depend on how enticing those offers were. If one were offered the CEO slot at a good company, I wouldn’t blame them for taking it. If this was a future promise, that’s a more difficult call.”
Simone nodded. “Whether it was Vance or someone else, would the board prefer to pick someone internally?”
“In this case, yes. The future of Nano is its technology, and having an intimate knowledge of it and its potential is critical. If the names on the successor list were weak, that might be less important. But all of my people are strong, capable, and worthy. So, yes, I believe they would choose an internal candidate.”
“Can you tell me who those candidates might be—other than Vance, of course?”
“Sure.” Robert shrugged. “It’s hardly a secret as to who my top reports are. Lawrence Blockman, my VP Engineering, June Morris, my CFO, and Aaron Malcolm, my VP Sales.”
Excellent. All people she’d spoken with—and formed opinions about—this morning.
“One last question and I’ll be on my way,” Simone said. “If Vance were to be your successor, who would be his?”
Robert sucked in a breath. “I’m very uncomfortable with this treason route you’re taking.”
“Treason is a very strong word. I’d call it politicking. And I understand your discomfort. But my tactics are rooted in necessity, not suspicion.”
“Then I suggest you run that question by Vance, not me. It’s his department and his choice. I’m just the final say.”
Nodding, Simone rose. “I appreciate your time. If it’s acceptable to you, I’d like to meet with both you and Vance in a few days once I’ve completed my interviews and had the chance to organize my proposal.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
“Which of your employees handles your calendar? I’ll set up an appointment on my way out.”
“Talk to Jen. She’ll be able to schedule it. But double-check it with Zoe when you interview her today. If there’s a meeting I’ve forgotten about, she’ll be aware of it since she’s probably attending.”
Simone silently noted that Robert was aware of her interviewing schedule. She hadn’t mentioned that she’d be talking to Zoe later today.
“Do Zoe’s professional responsibilities extend beyond being your personal assistant?” she asked instead. “Or does she attend meetings for note-taking purposes?”
Robert shook his head. “I’m working on coming up with a new title for Zoe. She’s been with Nano for fifteen years and managed to earn an MBA despite the long hours she works here. She’s sharp and she’s smart, more of a junior executive—as well as my right arm—than anything else. I frequently elicit her input, so, yes, she does attend meetings for reasons other than note-taking. On the flip side, I doubt I could find the elevator without her.”
“She sounds indispensable.”
