Are you free?

In any job, you have to deal with other people. In my case, my duties require more interaction than I originally thought.

I remember during my string of interviews with this start-up, one of the questions the VP asked me was if I could walk into a vice president’s office to get an important task done. Note that I’d just come from a multinational company where the hierarchy consisted of layers upon layers of bureaucracy. The executives were almost beyond sight – men and women in shiny suits, who trotted out now and then for corporate communication meetings. They weren’t exactly approachable. Given my experience in that environment and given the fact I had little idea of the structure of the start-up, the prospect was a bit intimidating.

But small companies, of course, have a flatter organizational structure. It was tough to be new, yes, but it wasn’t hard to approach anyone. My VP actually trained me during my first week. Now, I can come and go with ease. The only hard part is getting a hold of people because they have a tendency to not sit still.

During one such hunt, I went into my fave place in the office - the grass room – tracking down this guy with answers. He was busy so I asked formal style, “What time are you free?”

He paused and considered. “Never.” he replied.

One of his loyal subjects added, “He’s not free! He’s cheap, but he’s not free.”

Ah, the grass room. Like I said, one of my favorite places.