Athena 09 - Working Together

Friday afternoon, 3:45 pm.

Athena is sitting behind her desk.

Preparing for the important meeting

with Mary, Sarah, and Peter.

Athena has written down
some points

she would like to make.

Yet she feels

she is not prepared

for what she wants to say.

…

She knows…

she needs to let go.

Show what she thinks.

Tell what she does not know.

Stop giving the impression

that she has all the answers.

Athena knows she does not.

And until now,

she has been unable

to admit that to others.

…

Athena goes to the conference room.

Coffee, juice, and snacks
are on the table.

Mary is amazing,
she thinks.

Exactly at 4:00 pm,

Sarah and Peter,

the most senior leaders
in the company,

come in.

They are surprised
by the setting.

They wonder what this meeting
will be about.

Even Mary has not told them.

Everyone feels
a tension in the air.

…

“Thank you for being here,”
Athena begins.

“Today, I would like to start

having different interactions

with you.

And then, over time,

with everyone in the company.

…

I know,” Athena continues,

“this needs to start with me.

I realize I have not been
the easiest person

to work with.

Putting too much pressure on you.

And not being open to listen.

To truly listen

and hear your views.

I created an environment

which I now realize

was driven by my need
to control.”

…

Sarah and Peter look at each other.

Wondering what is happening.

Did they hear this right?

…

Athena continues.

“I need your help.

And I want us
to work together.

I understand you may wonder

if this will really happen.

Yet I want you to know

that I am committed.

And that only together

can we create the company

we all want to be part of.”

…

Sarah and Peter are stunned.

Then Sarah asks:

“Why now, Athena?”

“Thank you, Sarah.”

Athena pauses.

“Julia, as you both know,

called my attention last Sunday

when we were talking

about our family dynamics.

She told me,
in a very direct manner,

that I do not engage her.

…

During this week,

I came to see

that we can only engage ourselves.

Not others.

Then I questioned myself:

‘Do we have the same dynamics
in the office

as I have at home?

Am I making the same mistake?’

I realized my role is different.

I need to create the conditions

in which people

can bring their strengths forward.

Develop.

Contribute meaningfully.

And become more fully themselves.”

…

Athena pauses.

She looks at Mary, Sarah, and Peter.

She feels good about sharing.

While knowing
this is only a start.

…

Peter looks at Sarah.

Then decides to speak.

“Athena… Sarah and I
speak often together

about how we would like

to be more involved.

To contribute more.

I realize now

we did not bring this to you.

We did not speak up.

How will we start?”

…

“Thank you.”

Athena smiles
at the three of them.

Then she says:

“I would like us to meet
on Monday morning.

We will talk about—
and decide—

what we will celebrate
next Friday.

Mary will also present

the system we will be using.”

…

“Great,” Sarah and Peter say
at the same time.

The tension in the air
has disappeared.

They stay together
for another half hour.

Enjoying the snacks
and the juice.

Talking about their plans
for the weekend.

…

Athena is standing
at her spot by the window.

Looking outside.

It is a calm day.

The sun is setting.

She feels relieved.

And grateful.

For the opportunities.

For the new ways
opening up.

Her eyes are shining.

She is looking forward
to working together.

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