| Yesterday, I had breakfast with a man who was once my mentor.?Our opinions of each other have changed over the years.?I was once his?most favored?apprentice.?He was once the most respected man I knew..which says a lot regarding my trust of men at that time.?He gave me?many opportunities and in each I shined.?Over the years he did things to?harm my department...not me, but my department.?He tasked me to "smooth it over".?I love my co-workers too much?and ultimately was faced with the choice to confront him or try to convince everyone to accept the exploits of this man.??I confronted him.?We have not got along since.?The breakfast?was a large event so we didn't talk much.?If we did speak to each other it was very direct and purposeful.??"Robin, will you be attending the leadership training in March?"??he asked"No, I have?been to?leadership training before and I disagree with the?teacher's philosophy"?I answered"Did you see who was teaching the course?" he askedKnowing that he would be teaching the course I answered, "Yes...and as I said I disagree with what your philosphy is regarding a leader."?It hurt?to say it.?It hurt him to hear it...I could see that in his eyes.?Over the years since our disagreements I have had many successes.?He told me not too long ago he was proud of me and the accomplishments I had made.?In the same sentence he mentioned the disappointment he had with me regarding the many opportunities he has handed me that I have ignored.?We travel in the same?circles at my work...he is an executive and I am president?and vice-president of two government sections.?I often catch him looking at me as if in deep thought.?As breakfast ended the speaker had the audience join hands.?He grabbed my hand as an adult would grab a child's hand to lead them across a busy street.?He held it tight.?I looked at him curiously.In one way I feel as if I let him down...on the other hand I don't care!?By the same token I haven't let him down...what I have achieved should make him proud.?Not one of his employees has ever held; ?not one, but two of the highest positions in executive government.?I wonder if he sees that??I wonder if there will ever be a day when we will be okay? |
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