Chess Not Checkers

What’s Important?

Word spread quickly throughout the business that John was leaving. Of course, the company would be discreet and offer a statement indicating John’s decision to “pursue other career options.” Although that was true, Blake decided he needed to tell his team the rest of the story. So he called a special meeting for the following morning.

Just before the meeting was scheduled to begin, everyone shuffled in without saying a word. They just took their seats and looked at their new CEO, waiting for an explanation. Blake was sensitive to the mood because everyone, including Blake, had liked John.

“Good morning. I called this meeting because I know we need to talk about John’s departure.”

After an awkward silence, Angie said, “What happened? ...