So, we’re hiring at least one. And the guy we’re probably going to choose will probably be fine. We’ve actually got a few good choices, but the one we’re likely to go with is, well, maybe a bit of a case of compassion?

Don’t get me wrong. I think the guy will be fine, but the office manager keeps saying how she feels bad for him and he seems like he really needs it, and for all my blustering about compassion and kindness, at the end of the day, I’m drowning in work and I need someone who can get shit done.

Does compassion make the most sense in this choice? Or should I pick one of the more confident, cockier options in order to maximize productivity?

Of course, I suspect there’s no loyalty from the others, but there’s always the chance that this fellow, down on his luck as he is, suffers from depression, anxiety, you name it, same as I do. That means more days off, potentially, if he’s not capable of handling his maladies in the face of challenges.

I’ve never been one to call in sick on a regular basis, but certainly, there are times where I’ve got in my own head and had to take that time if only to be able to breathe. I took a stress leave probably close to a decade ago now, which is how I changed industries and then back again, to my chagrin.

I want to nurture the poor guy and see him blossom, rather than have some cocky jackass run roughshod over me or blow smoke up my ass.

But can he do the work? I suppose that’s a question of any new hire, and if I’m to put my money where my mouth is, I need to lead with kindness and compassion.

I only hope I’m not creating more work for myself, because I definitely don’t have time for that.

Target: 300 words
Written: 323 words, hip little story: Get Back Again