Power Outage

The team meeting I had in the Lake Conference room went well. It was a little strange at first with me being the only one on a long side of the table. My staff looking at me from the other three. I sat with my back to a row of large white peaches of paper, left by the group that was here before us. To my left, behind the Karens was a large white board. To my right, behind Brenda was a wall of windows. I didn't know it, but I would happy those were there.

We talked about diversity and planned how to make use if it, like chefs collectively playing with a recipe. Trying to draw the best from our differences. We talked about communication and how it is slipping. Tips and tricks to make e-mail more useful and easier to understand. We talked, Security, Audits, Projects and other work. The hour went quickly,

Krenissa walked in at the end of our team meeting. She is on the team, but on loan to another area, so she attends these based on her availability. She is not really here for the team meeting, she is here because we need to go over her plan to audit all PCPs in the company. This is a big project, and there is not much time left to spare, if she is to get it done on time.

We go over the first few entries and the lights go out. Not just the overhead light but the phone and the lights in the dining room outside are all out. We keep going, because sunlight pours through the bank of windows, but I can hear the fans the circulate air slowing down. The power is out.

When we get to page two of her plan, the phone makes a static crack and the light flick on, only to go back off again. I think to myself, by the time were done, they will have this fixed. We talk for a minute how it is a good thing we have all these windows. Before we are done, maybe twenty minutes more, the crack and flicker of lights happens three more times. When we leave, though the building is lit only by emergency lighting.

No one seems to know why, but there are plenty of rumors. It is the whole area. They don't know when it will be fixed, it could be out tomorrow. They are sending everyone home. I hear Ferren call a meeting of his staff, once I am back to my desk, but I don't yet know what I am supposed to do. I go down looking for Barb, hoping she has more information. My people need direction. I don't see her, but I get the next load of rumors.

Back to my area I make a decision. I tell my staff since they gave laptops, they can take them and work from home. They are satisfied. Once they are all gone, I pack up my things to work from home myself.