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Breakfield and Burkey
a book bubble about
The Enigma Ignite
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Author Insight
Defining moments
In some business settings the professional value between genders can be, well strained. Eilla-Zan is in a profession few women are accepted in, let alone operate as a contractor. We think people honestly want to be accepted for themselves and not come across as offensive. In human communications that's usually a tall order. We wanted to use a bit of humor to defuse what could become a HR nightmare between a very brilliant and beautiful female and a smart male who frankly appreciates a pretty girl, especially after the horrible conversation that he had concluded before she appeared. Sometimes verbal fencing mixed with some humorous twists can define a solid working relationship between two people. Do you think people say or do things they really don't mean? Is it true that meaningful communications occur at multiple levels? Can people work together even better based on how a beginning meeting was diffused? Has anything similar ever happened to you (we'd love to hear about it)?
Book Excerpt
The Enigma Ignite
“I suspect this is what they call a defining moment between human beings, Mr. Avery. Can you tell me, sir, is it the red hair or the fact that I’m not male that makes you question my professional abilities?”
Keith, immediately chastened, offered, “Apologies, madam! I meant no disrespect and certainly my sensitivity training would not permit me to be anything but a consummate professional in my dealings with another professional. I must apologize if my visual scan of you for my own personal mental recall dwelled too long on your physical attributes. It shall not happen again, I assure you.”
Eilla-Zan, unwilling to let the moment go too easily, said with an impish grin, “May I assume that you will not describe me to your associates as a two and one half meter high female when she stands on her hind legs?”
By this time Keith was seriously considering a new job vocation. He cleared his throat and said, “It’s been a bad day, Ms. Marshall. May I ask that you don’t contribute to that downward spiral, please? I am certain that Andrew’s choice of personnel is well founded, and I am pleased to be able to work with you. Since I have botched the initial meeting and you have excelled at a lively interchange, perhaps we can now just go to the business at hand?”
“Mr. Avery, thank you for the opportunity to work with you and, as the occasions arise, to jest with you. I took no offense, but I am not simply a prop moved around for someone else’s amusement. I am here to help, and I am quite capable in the realm of real time communications. So where can we start and how may I add value to your efforts? That is my goal, sir. Please call me Eilla-Zan.”
The heavy tension which had been present in the room moments before seemed to vanish during this young lady’s last comments. Perhaps the day would not be a total wash, he mused.
“Madam, for the first time in a long time I look forward to going to work with someone. You need to know we have a field trip to do, and I can promise you it is a non-glamorous one. Hope you brought your raincoat and rubber boots with you.”
Eilla-Zan grinned, then jested, “Why, Mr. Avery, you should know that a lady always travels with her rubbers! I am of the belief that a lady should always have her rubbers with her even if they are not needed rather than need them and not have them. Don’t you agree?”
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