Leadership Chapter 33

“Sure. I’ll be right there” I respond,” somewhat caught off guard by this random phone call. Obviously not wanting to be seen to be leaving early in my notice month, I quickly rush to the basement, leave my bag in the car, grab a notebook to look the part and head up to the executive floor. 

As the lift opens, I get a bit of a “deja vu” moment. My boss is just being seen off by the CEO and I am just in time to see the final handshake. These awkward moments don’t seem to end! “Go through to my office Amasi. I’ll be there in a minute. Please grab yourself something to drink,” the CEO says as I walk past the two of them. My boss gives me the corporate smile and doesn’t say anything as he enters the lift and it closes. Busted visiting the CEO’s office again, I’m less concerned this time round. I’m leaving after all right?

Minutes later, I’m sipping on some tea, sitting on a leather couch and imagining how one day this dark wood themed office would become my reality. Lost in my head, I don’t notice the CEO walking in. “Amasi!” he says enthusiastically. “Yes sir” I respond as I stand up to shake hands. “You’re probably busy doing hand overs so I’ll be quick” he says. I obviously don’t spoil this good start to the conversation so I nod with conviction rather than tell him I was actually on my way home. 

“Do you remember that project you did for me a few months ago?” he asks as he pulls out the document I wrote. “Yes I do” I respond wondering where this is going. “I discussed it with the board yesterday and they have approved the business case,” he continues. “Oh that’s great” I respond hoping this is not going where I think it is. “You mentioned that you want to work towards being CEO one day right?” he asks. “Yes I did I respond. “Well, we will be starting a new business unit as you had proposed in the business case and I would like you to consider heading it up,” he says as he leans forward and looks me in the eye. 

“Uhhhmmmmm..... what?” I exclaim. “Sorry, I mean.. pardon?”