It's All Relative

Workplace Politics often find their own resolution.

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All heads turned toward the suddenly thrust forefinger pointing at the ceiling. The wide-eyed face with slightly gaping mouth alerted the gathering a conclusion existed. The period of mentation lasted only momentarily before Camilla spoke.

Only moments earlier the question was posed: “How do you suggest we approach the subject?” Most of the assembly sat expressionless and quiet, but not Camilla; she never passed up an opportunity to impress an authority figure.

“I think we should face it head-on,” she said with head up nose in the air.

“How do you suggest we do that?” The question reeked of a practiced discussion.

“With complete transparency,” she replied with the anticipated response.

Unable to tolerate additional obliectation, Marcella rose, pushed her chair to the table, and began walking toward the door.

“Where are you going? We are not done here.”

Unable to contain her disgust, Marcella turned, and planted her foot firmly in front of her. Pointing at Camilla, the usually placentious Marcella said spitefully, “If we are once again going to be lectured by that bullshitteress, I’m out of here.”Only two of the people in the room were surprised by the outburst: Carmella and Mr. Sewinski.

The Chief Administrator of the clinic, Kevin Sewinski, made no effort to conceal his favoritism for Camilla. It was repeatedly rumored throughout the clinic that she often favored him with oral sex, but there was no proof of the accusations.

“Just agree with all of their accusations, and then justify them with relative facts,” Camilla continued undaunted by the earlier assault. “As an example, illustrate the time spent on education to meet the requirements for licensure. That alone should justify salaries.”

“That’s a good idea. But understand this, only I, or Ms. Cortez, are to respond to any reporter’s questions.” Everyone looked at Camille. She was aloof of the collective loathsome expressions. So much for transparency, they all thought.

The newspaper article focused on the clinic’s ‘abhorrent” fees. The article singled out the physician fees listing the annual salaries, and the number of physicians for each department. It noted the clinic enjoyed a monopoly on healthcare in the area. It pointed out that the status was so profound it was employed as a recruiting tool for additional physicians.

Following the newspaper publication, the Medical Director assigned Kevin Sewinski to squelch the negative publicity. Those orders included an effort to contain any participation by subordinates during the investigative period. Obeying the order Sewinski alerted all staff that the release of foreglean information such as equipment costs or supplies would be inaccurate, thus producing fallacious information.

The plan was in place and ready for implementation, when an unusual occurrence happened. A separate but more pressing event took front page. The newspaper’s editor was involved in a fiery automobile accident, and was hospitalized with severe burns and multiple broken bones. Clinic personnel were an integral part of his medical treatment.

The cost of care was never a consideration and it never again was discussed following a miraculous recovery. Investigations were terminated with the understanding that the values of some things cannot be estimated prior to their need.

By Robert L. Scarry

From: United States

Twitter: usnavy1990bob

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