Fly Bird Fly (01.15.2011)

Selena has worked with me for years at BT.

I love her to death. Her presence is light, her perspective balanced, and her work impeccable. In every way, she has made my life at work easier.

She walks into my office one day with an offer from another company in her hands. She looks sad.

“I wasn’t looking for another job,” she says. “One of my best friends suggested I just talk to them. And now I don’t know what to do, and I really need your advice.”

I read the offer she is holding. It’s a good offer in a decent company. She will do well there and be well compensated for it.

I tell her I need to think a bit. She leaves the conference room and heads back to her cube.

I have two choices. I could think of me. I could tell her she was loved and appreciated here and that she needed to stay. I was confident I could get her a counter-offer to her satisfaction. Maybe it was best if she stayed….and made my job slightly easier in return.

Nothing wrong with that.

Or, I could think of her, recognize that this opportunity opened her horizons, would teach her new things, and make her grow.

“You have to take this offer,” I say.

“I would keep you with me forever if I could, but I think we both know it’s time for you to go. Someday, somehow, we will work together again.”

I am of two minds every day.

Small, petty, grasping feelings present themselves at the same time big, open ones do.

The shades of black and white and all things grey, reside within me.

I can’t help the number of times I want the small, petty thing.

My promise to myself is to try to choose the big one — most times.

Even if it’s not — Always.