aura:
Hi, it’s Charlene, isn’t it? Do you mind if I sit down?
Charlene:
Sure, if you like. It’s Laura isn’t it?
Laura:
Yeah. I work in Finance. I couldn’t help but notice what you’re reading. I’m a collector.
Charlene:
No kidding? Somehow you don’t look the type that reads Menga.
Laura:
Oh yeah, since I was a kid. My collection is mostly the early stuff.
Charlene:
How ‘bout that. Pause.
So what do you do in the finance department?
Laura:
I’m a supervisor in the Treasury Ops. There’s a lot going on down there so I wear quite a few hats. Lately, we’ve been up to our eyeballs with the Excellence Initiative.
Charlene:
I know what you mean. That seems to be all I do lately. I n fact, this afternoon, I’m meeting with the distribution team to go over process improvements.
Laura:
Really? How could you achieve much with them?
Charlene:
I can always find ways to improve a process--like making sure we use the right distribution channel for the right product and making sure that products sold stay in force. (pause, sigh)
Laura:
Oh yeah.
Charlene
Then there’s the whole issue of how agents are recruited and selected. That process is so involved,…finding the right people, testing them, interviewing them, and getting them licensed before they can even start selling. And that’s not counting compensation and reducing agent turnover.
Barry:
Hey, Charlene. Hey, Laura. Excuse me. Are we still on for our meeting at 1:00?
Charlene:
Definitely.
Barry:
Great. I’ll see you then. Have I got some stories to tell you!
Laura:
Barry’s a good guy, but don’t get him talking about the stories about his field days or we may never hear from you again.
Charlene:
You wouldn’t want that. Honestly, I better go get prepared. How about you hang on to this for me? If I make it out alive, I’ll come back and get it. If not….
Laura:
Thanks. I’ll guard it with my life.