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“You notice how long I stay in the office?”
She glances away. “It’s part of my job to notice everything happening in the office. Well, not everything. But part of my role is to acknowledge company culture and whatnot. That includes dedication from employees. Things like that.”
“And?”
“What?” she asks with a lifted eyebrow.
“What’ve you noticed so far?” I watch her as I chew my pretzel, suddenly realizing how hungry I am. And it’s not only for the pretzel.
“Now you want to know?”
“Tell me,” I order.
“Employees at Townsend take pride in their work. For many, it’s an honor to be hired at Townsend Industries. But …” she side-eyes me, “burnout is a factor. Particularly in the executive suite. With hours like yours, I would say it’s inevitable.”
I grunt. “I’m fine.”
“Yeah, but for how long?”
I shake my head. “That social engineering shit you mentioned in Miami is bullshit. All employees need to do is show up, do their job, and get paid.”
“That’s all you think they do?” She comes to a stop in front of me.
“I know it is.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re too young to be so cynical.”
“You’re too old to be so naïve.”
She props her hand on her hip. “Did you just call meold?”She honestly sounds offended. “We’re the same damn age.”
A grin spreads across my face. “You’re not old, Riley,” I reply. “But it’s time to take the rose-colored glasses off. Employees are a valuable resource for Townsend, but they’re just that. They’ll never take pride in Townsend like I do because they don’t have to.”
She throws up her hands. “You might be right about that. However, it doesn’t mean they’re out to get you. It’s okay to let your walls down a little around them. Make them believe they’re a part of something special. Sometimes people are put in bad situations, and they make mistakes.”
I frown. “You learned all of that from your psych degree?”
Her eyebrows pop. “You know my degree is in psychology?”
I nod. “Bachelor’s in psychology from Williamsport U, with a double minor in sociology and business administration. Started Martin and Associates three years ago doing consulting work for small and mid-size corporations, mainly in tech and healthcare.” I look pointedly at her. “Did I get that right?”
“What else have you learned about me?” There’s something in her voice I can’t identify.
“You come highly recommended based on your ability to read people and situations clearly for executives interested in securing a deal. So, you learned to read people from your psych degree?”
She looks away. “Partially. I’m a people watcher. I always have been interested in what makes them tick. We like to think people always make the most logical choice, but we fail to consider various factors.”
“Such as?”
“Hundreds of things. Past trauma, emotional upheaval. Heck, a bad hair day can have someone making an irrational choice.”
I snort. “A fucking bad hair day?”
“You mock, but it’s true. Humans aren’t machines. Our emotions effect our decision-making. This is why it’s important to consider some of those factors when working with others. And, in your case, running a company.”
“I’m not running the company.”
“Yet,” she quickly adds. “That is your end goal, right?”
