how to get ahead without murder your boss - helen burton

7/24/2019 How to Get Ahead Without Murder Your Boss - Helen Burton

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How to Get Ahead Without Murdering Your Boss

First published in Australia in 2010 by A&A Book Publishing Pty Ltd.

ISBN 978-0-9807399-0-9

This EPUB edition:

ISBN 978-0-9872367-2-2

Copyright Helen Burton, Vicki Webster and Alison Lees 2011

The contents of this book are solely the views and expressions of the author and others that

have expressed their personal view to him. This book is copyright. Apart from any use

permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means or process whatsoeverwithout the prior written permission of the publishers.

Cover design, illustrations and e-book format by David Andor / Wave Source Design

www.wavesourcedesign.com

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Australia

A&A Book Publishing Pty Ltd

Leichhardt, NSW 2040

Email:[email protected]

Website: www. aampersanda.com
http://www.wavesourcedesign.com/http://www.wavesourcedesign.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wavesourcedesign.com/


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Table of Contents

Dedication

Introduction

Part OneWalking Close to the EdgeA Corporate Murder

Mystery

Meet the characters and their career issues. Five work colleagues are stuck at a corporate

retreat in a cyclone. The CEO disappearshe's had influence on each employee's career. Is he

dead, and if so, who killed him?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26


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Part Two

SEEFAR Career Management Workbook

Use this section to apply the SEEFAR career management methodology to your personal

situation. Complete all or some of the exercises that form part of the SEEFAR career

management methodology. Learn how to review and develop your career to maintain or

improve job satisfaction and employability.

Using SEEFAR

Career Management Strategy One: Self-understanding and Identity

Career Management Strategy Two: External Image

Career Management Strategy Three: Environment

Career Management Strategy Four: Financial Objectives

Career Management Strategy Five: Action and Reflection

Career Management Strategy Six: Results

Part ThreeSEEFAR in Action

The SEEFAR career management methodology in action. The characters in Walking Close to

the Edgeuse the SEEFAR career management methodology to make decisions about their own

careers. Read all or some of the stories.

Character Analysis

Paul Handy

Kylie Humann

Louise Able

Ed Senior

Nathan Clearview

Yasmin Perfect

Clara Cooke

Career Management Resources

Appendix and Resources

Theory and Practice for Career Coaches

About the Authors

This book is dedicated to our patient families, who supported us over the long, long life of this

project, and to all the individuals we have career coached who got us started by asking for a

career book that was contemporary, user friendly, practical and fun.


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Introduction

Most of us can think of a time when we experienced strong feelings of dissatisfaction with ourrole or work environment, resenting work's influence over our life. Fortunately, we don't need

to resort to murder to attempt to solve the problem! On the other hand, many people can feel

powerless or unmotivated to manage their career and life.

It's our experience that up to ninety percent of people indicate feeling a lack of control over

their careers, yet only five percent feel able or motivated to do something about it. This begs

the question: why?

It could be that it's a lot easier to stay in our comfort zone and not think about it too much.

Maybe we're scared that if we do something, we might fail, or we're not even sure what the

first step is. After all, it's a lot more fun, and a whole lot less confronting, to watch the latest

reality or crime show on TV, enjoy sport, surf the net or even clean out the kitchen cupboards,rather than explore other work options.

Like anything in life, effectively managing our own career takes some time but not as

much as you might think effort and continuous learning to explore options, identify

opportunities, make decisions and ultimately achieve our desired outcomes.

Personally, we believe in the power of taking responsibility for our own careers, whether that

means keeping a job that we love, making a career change or simply learning new skills to

increase our employability. This is equally important in buoyant markets or in harsh economic

times with large scale job losses. We also believe that career management can be fun!

With this philosophy in mind, read on to learn how easy it is to develop and implement your

own actionable career strategy.

SEEFAR: A quick overview of best practice career

management

SEEFAR is a practical and results-driven process that merges the best features of the

traditional plan-and-implement approach to career development with a new focus on having

our own narrative and using action learning to gain clarity on what the best career

opportunities are for us in order to feel successful and fulfilled.

S = Self-understanding and identity

The first step in an effective career management process is to ensure you have a clear

understanding of yourself and the things that make you who you are the things that drive

you and your motivations and values. Once you understand what makes you happy and

satisfied at work the things that come naturally to you you can build these factors into

your career decision making. For this part of the process, we will ask you to assess your skills,

major competencies, interests, values, personality traits, style and family career history through


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assessment instruments and exercises. The assessment activities are amalgamated to develop a

'self-portrait', or identity, that links to possible career options.

E = External image

Once you have a clear understanding of yourself, the next step is to understand how others

perceive you. This is important to ensure the career options you consider are realistic and

inline with your reputation. By examining your external image, you recognise that others oftendetermine your access to opportunities and your selection for new positions or projects, so it is

essential that you understand what impression you make on other people as this is how you

create your reputation.

E = Environment

Career management needs to be practical to provide meaningful outcomes. Understanding the

marketplace is a vital part of career decision making. Activities in this part of the process assist

you to explore opportunities and build business relationships to access them.

F = Financial objectives

The best career plans can fall apart if they are not aligned to your financial goals. For example,

taking time off work to complete full-time study or taking a reduction in salary to move to a

new department/unit will not be sustainable if it doesn't meet your financial needs. This part of

the process focuses on identifying your financial goals and ensuring compatibility with your

career goals.

A = Action and reflection

The chaotic nature of careers means that opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Without a

robust career management process to assess the viability of each option, you run the risk of

choosing a direction that you may regret. Additionally, the best way to determine whether

something is right of you is to try it out first, especially where you are considering a significant

career transition. This phase facilitates a detailed exploration of options through crafted

experiments, for example secondments and special projects. This action-and-reflection model

is linked to the need to take responsibility for your career direction.

R = Results

"It is a new day." The rules of work have changed, and you are more accountable for your own

career management. All the analysis, reflection and planning will amount to nothing if youdon't take action. A well developed, specific action plan with measurable short-term goals,

mid-term direction and long-term aspirations will enable you to take control of your career,

without having to murder your boss!


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The SEEFAR Model

How to apply the SEEFAR model in your career is explained in Parts 2 and 3 of this book.Now sit back, relax and take some time to enjoy seeing the model in action in the story in Part

1.


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1

The cushions in the lounge shifted slightly and Paul opened one eye. He glanced at the person

creating the disturbance and grunted."Sorry about that," said the young man who was even now pushing his back into the well-

padded lounge and joylessly re-arranging a briefcase and papers around him.

Paul nodded and pretended to resume his nap but kept one eye open, watching the

performance unfolding in front of them. His neighbour was a magician the way a series of

briefcases and folders just seemed to multiply and empty into each other until the lounge,

footstool and coffee table in front of them were layered in sheets of impressive looking

documents. Some of them even had flowcharts and graphs. Unable to contain his fascination

any longer Paul sat up slowly, uncrossing his arms and stretching his legs out so that the tops

of his boots could barely be seen under the hem of his heavily worn jeans. He ran his hands

through his curls, shook his head and glanced up at the arrivals and departures information.

"Bugger."

His new companion glanced at him, took one look at the leather bomber jacket and rucksack

and deliberately turned away. Paul ignored this slight. "My flight's another couple of hours

away. How about you mate? Where you off to?"

"Sydney."

The reply was crisp and polite and had "do not disturb" written all over it, but Paul wasn't so

easily put off.


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"You coming from New York?"

"Yes." The head was permitted a bob and there was a slight, superficial smile, but the young

man's focus was quickly back to the pages in front of him.

Paul leaned back and put his hands behind his head, staring up at the fluoro lights that were

unrelenting in their starkness. "Yeah, the wife and I are just coming back from the States too.

Interesting place to visit. Wouldn't want to live there. Too many weirdos running around. And

some yanks don't seem to have much of a sense of humour.""Hmmmmm."

Paul looked around the transit lounge at the other stranded passengers, contorted into various

reclining positions on their seats, struggling to try and get comfortable, like some purgatorial

karma sutra.

He bent forward and took a moment or two to make sure he caught the eye of his neighbour,

who was rapidly regretting his choice of seat. "I thought you business guys did everything on a

computer the size of a matchbox. You know, paperless world and all that." Leaning even

further forward, Paul was making himself impossible to ignore. "Don't get me wrong, I don't

know much about businessthat's the missus' department. I'm a sparky myself. She's the one

who's written the business book and been on Oprah."

Finally a spark of interest. The well-gelled hair turned towards him. "Your wife has written a

business book?"

Paul nodded. "Yep, that's why we were in the States. A few of those big publishers were

fighting over itand the sequel. Like a pack of buzzards on a carcass they were. Crazy what

money you can get."

Paul had his neighbour's full attention now.

"So it's been published in the U.S?"

"Yeah, and first run has already nearly sold out." Paul sat back, confident he now had

someone to chat to. "Fancy a beer?""What?" The young man fumbled. "No Well yes, maybe a soft drink."

"Not if I'm buying mate." Paul signaled to the attendant hovering nearby. "We should get

something for our business lounge membership, shouldn't we?"

The young man nodded assent, looked down at his paperwork, weighed up the next couple of

hours, and shut the lid of his laptop.

Paul noticed. "Good man. Now, what'll you have?"

By the time they were on their second round, Paul had discovered that the young man, DavidYoung, was a sales executive for a telecommunications company that covered the globe and

that he last had a holiday five years ago. David had finally loosened his tie a little and was

leaning back into the leather cushions like he was carrying the weight of the world on his

shoulders. Paul guessed he was only in his early thirties, but he looked closer to forty. He

waited until David had sipped his way down the third bottle before piecing the facts together.

"So you're a very little fish in a very big pond?"

David opened his mouth to protest and then decided he didn't have the energy to deny the

truth. He stared down the mouth of his bottle. "A very big pond. A global pond. And in New


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York they make polite noises about taking Sydney into consideration when they make their

decisions, but it's all, "

He took another gulp. "So the reality is if I want to get ahead I'm going to have to either

move to the US or one of the other overseas offices, or work even more hours in Sydney to get

noticed and, well" he glanced at Paul, "I'm already on tablets for stress and not sleeping and

my girlfriend is complaining that she never sees me. Well, did complain. I think she dumped

me last night." He took another gulp. "By text."

Paul let out a low whistle. "Christ mate you are in a bad way. Sounds like you're better off

without her anyway. Text, eh?" Paul smiled and shook his head. "Hazards of working in

telecommunications."

David started to laugh a bit too loudly. Paul threw him a cautious look. Having a drink was one

thing but he hadn't meant to open a can of worms. He looked around and checked that no one

was staring. "Hey mate, listen. I have a story to tell you that might make you feel better."

David didn't respond. "No, really mate, it's what my wife's book is about." Paul kept talking.

"She's written this self-help book for people just like you."

"What? People who don't have any say in their career decisions and don't have the guts to do

anything about it?" His voice was full of bitterness.

Paul paused and was on the cusp of agreeing and then reconsidered. "No, mate. Just people

who need a push in the right direction, to show them how to take control back."

"What's it called?"

"How to Get Ahead Without Murdering Your Boss." Paul deadpanned.

David rubbed his face before sitting back and taking a long gulp of his beer. He stared at

Paul for a moment. "I think we need another round then." He signaled to the waiter. "With a

whiskey chaser."

Paul thought for a fraction of an instant how much trouble he was already likely to be in,

calculated the risks, and was just about to say no to a drink for the first time in his life when he

glanced up at the departures screen.

He nodded to David. "Right then. You're on."


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2

He settled back into the chair and scratched his chin. "Well, it's probably worth starting withme," he explained. "The book's got an acronym, you know, a word where every letter

represents a word"

"Yeah, I do know what an acronym is"

"Oh, right. So the theme of the book is SEEFAR. Clever, isn't it?"

David looked unconvinced.

"My wife's point is that after you've read the book you will 'see far', as in you'll be clearer on

where you're heading. Anyway," he hurried on, "S stands for Self understanding and Identity.

It's about how you see yourself. See, I'm the kind of person who's pretty happy with their lot in

life. I'll never be the sharpest tool in the shed, or the richest man I know, but that's just fine

with me. I'm pretty contented, which apparently makes me almost unique.

There's a lot of people out there who don't really know who they are their strengths,

weaknesses, and how to use them to get what they want in life. I wonder about that. How can

you be true to yourself, if you don't know what's important to you in life?"

"Tell me about it!"

Paul shook his head. "Me, I've got my own little handyman business. Do a few odd jobs, can

turn my hand to most things but I know my limits. It's a pretty good little business and I enjoy

what I do. You got me?"

David nodded. He was staring over Paul's shoulder at the wall. "Sorry, I was just thinking of

something my boss said to me a couple of weeks ago. About how he didn't feel as if he couldrecommend me for certain projects because he wasn't sure what I could do. I didn't," David

was finding this difficult to say, "stand out enough. I faded into the background."

He sighed and looked directly at Paul. "I'm invisible. I'm working my guts out for this

company and I'm invisible."

"Well that's not good mate, but I think that we're getting into the second letter, E. You need

to have SELF UNDERSTANDING but then the next step is your EXTERNAL IMAGE. How

others see you. For me, I've never had to advertise. Got all my jobs through word-of-mouth

because I never take on anything I can't do bloody well and I always do my best."

David's eyes were starting to glaze a little.

Before he could lose him, Paul continued, "I tell you what, mate. Let me tell you a story that

will make the whole thing clear. About how I met my wife. About how we spent a weekend

trapped on an island with a murderer."

He had David's full attention now. Paul sat back and drained his glass. "So, as I was saying,

let's start with me." He pointed to his glass and caught the waiter's eye. "I was on this ferry off

the coast of north Queensland, near Cairns."


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3

"Choppy enough for you?"Paul shifted his eyes from the dark seas that were pounding the side of the ferry and turned

his attention to the captain.

He nodded. "Looks like it'll be your last trip of the day."

"Haven't I seen you around town?" The captain joined Paul near the bow and gazed out to the

horizon.

"Yeah I do some work for Bob Sandbourne in Cairns every now and again, fixing bits and

pieces. But I haven't been out this way before."

"You chose a hell of a day to have a look."

"Me and a few other fools," said Paul nodding to the handful of passengers inside.The captain followed his glance through the glassed-in cabin to the passengers sitting in

various stages of discomfort on the benches. "They don't look like they've done a real day's

work amongst them."

"No but I bet they earn a hell of a lot more than we do, mate," said Paul with a wry smile.

"Yes you can be sure of that, but then who'd want to be shut up in an office on a day like

today?" The captain turned back to the railing and looked out into the purple skies and

churning green of the sea. "I wouldn't trade this for quids, would you?"

"No I reckon you're right mate. But it looks like today could test your mettle." Paul looked

up at the threatening sky. "What's the story with the cyclone?"

"Oh they reckon its changed course and is heading out to the Pacific. Someone will get some

trouble but not us."

"Don't speak too soon. Someone's not too happy with you I think," Paul looked pointedly

over the captain's shoulder as a red-faced bull of a man stormed towards them.

"Are you the captain of this vessel?" The question was fired at the captain by someone who

was used to asking questions and giving orders.

"Yes sir I am," the captain stood to attention.

"Well I'm not happy with this rough passage. Some of my team are turning green. Can't you

do anything about it?"

The captain kept a straight face. "Well sir there is a cyclone about."

"Yes I know I know, but can't you steer in calmer waters?"

The pause before the captain's answer was just a fraction too long to be respectful.

"Not if there aren't any calm waters to be had sir."


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The passenger looked thrown for a moment, but he recovered in a second and tried a

different tack. "Perhaps you don't know who I am. Arnold Strong. CEO of Medivalue

Incorporated."

The captain and Paul stared back blankly.

"The fastest growing medical research company in the southern hemisphere," growled the

explanation.

"Sorry sir, I've never heard of it. But I can assure you that I have a perfect safety record andeven though the trip may not be as smooth as you would like, I will get you to your destination

safely." The captain stood firmly and met Arnold Strong's gaze.

Arnold finally looked away briefly. "Well I'm not happy. Perhaps if you were steering the

boat instead of gossiping with the crew we might get somewhere," glancing at Paul and

evaluating him in an instant.

Paul leaned back against the rail with his arms crossed.

"Don't let my lack of a suit and tie fool you mate. I'm not help. I don't work for anyone

except myself."

"Really Well," for an instant Strong looked unsure of himself, "Just see to it will you?"With that he turned and stalked away. The boat pitched at that moment and he stumbled and

was forced to grab for the rail before disappearing inside.

Paul grinned. "Always amazes me when someone says the biggest or best in the southern

hemisphere. What's the bloody competition? South Africa? Tonga?"

The captain smiled and, shaking his head, turned and ducked into the wheelhouse.

As the boat continued to pitch dramatically Paul turned his attention to the other passengers in

the cabin, keen to see who was turning green.

A tall man with trendy glasses sat in the corner, trying to ignore the movement of the boat

and balancing a laptop on his knees. He didn't look like he spent much time out of doors. Paul

dismissed him as a lightweight and turned his attention elsewhere. An attractive blonde woman

was trying to read a romance novel but was struggling to concentrate. She looked like her hair

colour and her tan came out of a bottle. Arnold Strong had spread his legs across the benches

and was trying to catch her eye. The cabin door opened and a dark-haired woman in her thirties

went to the rail with a handkerchief to her mouth. Paul imagined she was trying to avoid

vomiting on what looked to be a very expensive suit. She was soon joined at the rail by a white

haired gentleman who looked as if he had been a fit young man but one too many business

lunches had taken their toll. He was having trouble with his sea-legs but was striving to hang

on to his dignity. He tried to have a conversation with the brunette but she shook her head and

waved him away. He looked angry at being dismissed and stalked off towards the stern. He

looks a bit like my dad thought Paul as he turned back to the boat's bow, more interested in

studying the coastline than the passengers.


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4

The peninsula was coming into view and Paul wondered again why he had agreed to come sofar out of his way and on a weekend. He was making a good living contracting out as a

handyman after a hard two year slog and he could afford to say no to jobs now. Perhaps it was

the female voice on the other end of the phone earlier in the day which had sounded so

intriguing.

"Hello is this Sandy's Handyman services?"

"Yes it is." Paul was sifting paperwork on his desk and was distracted by the piles slipping

off the edge and into the wastepaper basket.

"I am calling from The Edge resort on the Briney Peninsula, do you know it?"

"Yes vaguely. What's wrong?"

"Well we have a number of jobs that need doing but the main one is the generator and, as

there is a cyclone about," she paused, "well it's quite urgent. I usually ask Mr Sandbourne but

he's away at present." Her voice trailed off.

She sounded like she was in her mid thirties and not used to asking for help.

"Yeah Sandy does like to go walkabout from time to time."

Silence.

"Well, can you help us Mr?"

"Call me Paul."

There was something heartfelt about her plea. He found himself considering the cost of

getting to the resort and whether he could juggle a dozen other jobs that were planned for the

following week.

"So how much time do you think it would take?"

"A day or two."

"But today's Friday," he said, stating the obvious and frowning at the thought of missing his

regular Saturday game of footie. Paul peered out the window at the sky. It didn't look like the

game would be on anyway and he was curious about this fancy resort.

"Yes it is."

Her voice cut through his thoughts. And he looked at the mounting pile of paperwork and

considered the prospect of spending a weekend away from it with a desperate young woman.

He could see himself as the knight in shining armour.

"If I were to get there this afternoon do you have a bed I could use for the night?"

He could hear a sigh of relief on the other end of the line.

"Yes of course. You'll have to catch the ferry. There's a road but with the rain it's been

washed out and I don't expect the council to repair it until next week sometime. Is that okay?"

She rushed on, not letting him say no. "There's a group coming for the weekend. I tried to put

them off because of the cyclone but they insisted. The ferry's at 4 o'clock. So I'll expect you'll


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meet them then. There's five of them. There won't be any other guests, they've all cancelled of

course."

She paused.

"Is all of that okay?"

"Yep no worries luv. Tell the boss I'll come this afternoon."

"I am the boss," she fairly bristled. "The Edge is my business."

"Yeah okay keep your hair on. I didn't mean to offend." He had heard that the new retreat

was run by a woman. She sounded like she could hold her own and he was intrigued.

She continued in a business-like manner, her moment of vulnerability gone. "See you this

afternoon then. I'll meet the ferry."

"Cheers love." Paul hung up slowly and turned from his desk to look out the window. His

house sat on the cliff above the town from where he commanded a great view of the ocean.

Thick black storm clouds were hanging over the coast and the seas looked rough. It was going

to be a bumpy trip.

His thoughts were dragged back to the present when the ferry's tone changed from a roar to a

steady hum and was starting to nose closer to the shore. A pleasant white wooden jetty with a

small mini bus parked alongside it was the only hint that they weren't being dropped off at the

edge of the world. A small natural harbour meant that the ferry could easily dock, deposit

passengers and return to Cairns in under thirty minutes. The captain was obviously used to the

run and under his expert hand the ferry docked successfully despite the rough seas. Everyone

looked grateful to hear the engines reduce to a low rumble and the Medivalue team stretched

and started to gather their things. Paul noticed that Arnold Strong grabbed his briefcase and

shouldered past the others to make sure he was first down the gangplank. Paul descended last

after slinging his backpack over a shoulder and grabbing a large, heavy toolbox. He turned andwaved to the captain who was already untying the boat and hurrying to head back. He saluted

smartly in response and with a "good luck" went back into the wheelhouse.

Waiting at the bottom of the ramp was a fit-looking woman in her mid thirties with long hair

tied back under a baseball cap. "Welcome to the Edge." The voice was light and cheerful. In a

no-nonsense chambray shirt, khaki shorts and boots she looked like she could handle most

things. Except perhaps Arnold Strong.

"Are you the owner?"

"Yes I am Louise Able. You must be Mr Strong." She extended a hand which was ignored.

"Well are you the entire welcoming party or is there someone to help us with our bags?""Yes to both questions Mr Strong. I am your host for this weekend, you are the only guests,

and yes I will now help you with the bags. I am sure you gentlemen won't mind helping the

ladies."

She bent forward and picked up both the women's bags with ease and headed towards the

van. The young man with the laptop and the white-haired man quickly followed suit, picking

up their own cases and following the women.

"Huh," Arnold Strong was not used to carrying his own bag and looked around.


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"Don't look at me mate." Paul picked up his toolbox and followed the others, enjoying

Strong's blustering and panting behind him.

Louise Ableor Lou, as she asked everyone to call herkept up a running commentary on

the drive along the shoreline and then through the rainforest as they moved inland. She spoke

about the plants, birds and animals they might be lucky enough to see on the weekend. TheMedivalue team's attitude failed to match her enthusiasm. Arnold seemed particularly

unimpressed with the vegetation passing by the bus window. He had been quiet for a few

minutes but couldn't help interrupting her narrative.

"I hear you get a good swell around here. Great for windsurfing."

"That we do Mr Strong," said Lou, flashing him a quick smile. "But with the weather such as

it is I wouldn't be recommending it. Cyclone Bertha is supposed to be moving away from the

coast but you never can tell up here. Far north Queensland is a funny place. I've lived here

most of my life and I've seen some strange things happen."

"A bit of rough water won't worry me. I've been involved in extreme sports all my life.

Surfed all over the world." Arnold looked around the mini bus to make sure that everyone was

suitably impressed.

Paul noticed the blonde woman look at Strong with concern as if she wanted to say

something. Strong smiled at her and winked. She shot him quick smile and then smoothed

down a skirt which barely skimmed her knees. "Well, well, well," thought Paul, "perhaps

Strong might be thinking about more than one kind of recreation this weekend."

"I don't seem to be getting any mobile phone reception here." The younger man had taken off

his suit coat but had obviously not relaxed out of work mode just yet."Yes Mr?

"Nathan Clearview."

"Yes Mr Clearview I am afraid that the communications tower on the mainland is not very

reliable. One of the struggles we have being out in the regions it's not profitable for a

telecommunciations company to actually provide us with a service. I have a two-way radio for

emergencies. The reception should improve when we get to the Edge."

Clearview snapped his phone shut, tucked his hands under his armpits and stared out of the

bus window.

"Don't worry Clearview, the wife can last for two whole days without hearing your dulcettones." Arnold smirked and Nathan shot him a look of pure venom.

"Wanting to maintain contact with my wife when she is seven months pregnant is not an

unreasonable request Arnold."

"Oh no," Arnold laughed, "easy to see who's tied to the apron strings."

Nathan ignored the comment and continued to stare out of the window. Arnold chuckled;

obviously pleased his barb had hit the mark.


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Paul sat back even further and smiled. He hadn't seen this much drama since his last

girlfriend had got him hooked watching the "Bold and the Beautiful". And he was getting paid.

This was better than cable TV.

The brunette in the suit had seemed to perk up since getting off the boat.

"Excuse me Lou. I'm Kylie, Kylie Humann the HR Manager at Medivalue. Did you say 'onthe mainland'? I thought we were on the mainland."

"Yes well spotted Ms Humann," said Lou, talking over her shoulder. "We tend to think of

ourselves as an island here because we get cut off so often with bad weather, or a possum

chews through the wires or we get a landslide and the road gets blocked. We have to be pretty

self sufficient."

"I see." Kylie started to chew her lip.

"What's wrong with you Kylie my girl, worried you might break a nail and not have

anywhere to get it repaired?" Arnold turned around in his seat and leered at her.

Kylie, clearly offended at the "girl" nonetheless replied politely. "No Arnold, I was justcurious about how we might manage if there was a cyclone. I did tell you that I thought it was

a bad idea to continue with this strategic planning weekend with the weather looking this

way."

"That's why I insisted we still come out here this weekend. Teach you office wimps a thing

or two about real life if you have to battle the elements." Arnold searched for validation. "Isn't

that right?" He turned to Paul. "You look like a man who can look after himself."

Paul turned slowly to face Strong. "Actually I got to be this old and this ugly by not putting

myself in dangerous situations. Me, I'd rather be home right now with my feet up drinking a

stubbie and watching the footie. But then I don't have anything to prove."

Kylie flashed him a quick smile and Arnold's face froze. Before he had a chance to respond,Lou threw Paul a dirty look in the rearview mirror and said loudly, "We're here."


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5

The bus pulled up in front of a rustic lodge, with several cabins and outbuildings clustered on agently sloping ridge under a low sandstone cliff. The main building's stone and timber

construction with wide verandahs was a cross between typical Queensland architecture and a

North American hunting lodge. In front of the main building a lawn stretched for 500 metres

before disappearing over the edge. As the passengers got out of the minivan they could hear

the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks below.

"Excuse me. How far down is it to the beach?" The older man finally spoke. He had

obviously only just recovered from the ferry and was grateful to be standing on his own two

feet.

"About 50 metres straight down, but there's a path with a railing to guide you down if you

want to go for a walk. Let's get you all inside and then to your cabins it looks like it's aboutto pour." Lou grabbed a couple of bags and headed inside just as penny-sized drops thudded

onto the stone path.

By the time they were all inside, it had turned as dark as night outside and the wind had

started to pick up.

"It doesn't look like we are going to get much of a sunset tonight folks, I'm sorry. Usually it's

beautiful." Lou positioned herself behind the reception counter.

"I'd just like a shower and a hot meal thanks," said Kylie. "I don't need a sunset."

"Me too," echoed the young blonde. Her hair had been blown about by the wind and her

make-up had seen better days.

Lou sensed she didn't often travel far without the benefit of a make-up mirror and a

hairdryer. She started with her. "I'm sorry I didn't get your name."

"Yasmin Yasmin Perfect."

"Yes Ms Perfect, you're in "Rainbow Lorikeet" and here's your key."

Lou caught her puzzled look. "All of our cabins are named after wildlife to be found on the

property. Here's a map. Your cabin is here." Lou circled with highlighter. Yasmin made eye

contact with Strong and repeated, "I'm in Lorikeet." Paul, standing back from the group,

observed her quick glance. He smiled.

Yasmin picked up her bag and looked lost.

"There are umbrellas just there in the hallstand or if you would like to wait I'll walk with you

to your cabin," said Lou.

Yasmin stuck out her chin. "I'll find my way thanks." She shouldered her bag and headed out

the door with her map in hand.

Lou continued to efficiently assign cabins and give out maps and keys. As she gave a key to

Kylie she asked, "I believe that you have your own programme this weekend but you have

given me the times for meals?"


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"Yes that's right. I'd like to also look at the seminar room so I can set up ready for the

morning."

"Of course, I'll just make sure everyone is settled and then I'll come and get you and show

you around if you like?"

"Yes thank you." Kylie grabbed the long handle of her bag and started to wheel it towards

the door.

"Well dinner is at 7pm in the dining room marked on the map. It's just the second door hereon the right. If you would like a drink beforehand, the bar will be open from six."

"Wait a minute. Let me guess." The tie had been gradually loosened until it was now sticking

out of his top pocket. The alcohol was kicking in and he was starting to relax. "I think I know

where you are headed with the external."

"External image," offered Paul.

"Yes. Its Arnold, isn't it? The CEO? He thinks he's a ladies' man, bit of a player, envied by

the boys and irresistible to the girls," David said. "But really everyone hates his guts." He satback looking satisfied. "And he's the one who gets murdered."

"You'd think so, wouldn't you?" Paul smiled. "We'll see. But you're right about his self image

being the complete opposite of his External image. Not congruent, as my missus would say."

"So, if someone wanted to find out how they were perceived, how" David looked at Paul,

leaving the question unasked.

"How would they go about it? Well there are these exercises in the book, but basically you

have the guts to start asking a few trusted people, what others really think of you. So choosing

the right people's important. Don't choose someone who's going to tread too softly, but don't

ask some smart aleck who's going to put the boot in either."

David was rubbing his chin and frowning.

"You look like you might have someone in mind already,"

said Paul.

"Yeah, I think I might." David suddenly stretched and looked around. "So far so good."

"Well don't get too cocky mate, there's a few stages yet to go." Paul cocked an eyebrow.

"Like you haven't heard the best bit about how I win the heart of the girl with my good looks

and charm." Paul winked.

David groaned. "What were you saying about how we think we are perceived versus the

reality?"

"Yeah, yeah, alright. I'll let you judge for yourself."

Summary

Self-understanding and identity

To clarify your understanding of your identity you will need to consider:


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Your current level of job satisfaction,

How employable you are if you couldn't continue in your current role,

The impact of partner and family on your career options,

Your values,

Your work and personality preferences,

Your skills,

Your interests.

External image

To clarify how others perceive you, you will need to explore:

How you are perceived by your boss, colleagues and/or customers,

What mechanisms you have in place to obtain feedback from others on how they view you.

What strengths and weaknesses would they identify?

How well networked you are,

What your reputation is in your occupational group, your industry and your geographic

marketplace,

In short, who do you know and what would they say about you?


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6

Lou continued to hand out keys and assign cabins. Within a few minutes everyone had

dispersed. She was aware that Paul had been leaning up against a wall, arms folded. "Are youready for me?" he asked.

"Yes I am so sorry Mr..." Lou moved forward and extended her hand. "Thank you for your

patience."

"Handy," Paul took the hand and shook it firmly. "No worries. And it's Paul by the way.

They look like they might keep you busy this weekend." He nodded at the retreating backs of

the Medivalue team.

"Yes," she smiled, "but then that's what they pay me for."

"And they pay well from the looks of this place. It's pretty flash." His admiring gaze took in

the liberal use of wood, stone and plush fabrics. "This is a beautiful place.""Thank you. It was hard work getting it built but every day I wake up and look out at the

view I realize it was worth it." She shook her head slowly. "Even when there are problems, and

even though I still have to answer to my investors." Her gaze took in the vista outside the floor

to ceiling glass walls.

"What problems do you have?"

"Well getting and keeping staff up here is a problem. I'm afraid I'm doing the work of three

people this weekend. And so is getting tradesmen to come all the way out here so I appreciate

you coming." She looked him up and down and liked what she saw.

He was a bit rough around the edges but with a look in his eyes that somehow put her off

balance. She wasn't used to being confused by people. She prided herself on being able to read

them pretty well.

Lou realized she had been staring with a stupid smile on her face. She became brisk. "Well,

before I start looking after my other guests, let me give you the keys to your cabin and show

you the major issues and then perhaps you could give me an estimate of what you think it will

take. Would you like an umbrella?"

"Nah a little water never hurt anyone. I've got a jacket in my pack if I need it."

Lou grabbed a large yellow rainparka from the row of hooks near the door and led him back

out into the rain. She escorted him to his cabin which, like the others, was surrounded and

partially hidden by thick bush."Ring-tailed Possum?" smiled Paul, looking at the name on his cabin.

"Well the Japanese tourists like it," said Lou as she unlocked the door and led him inside.

"I'm sure they do," said Paul as he dumped his knapsack on the plush king-sized bed and

looked at the rest of the luxurious interior.

"You can't see any of the other cabins from here?"

"No you can't see anything from any of the cabins, except the view. It was designed that

way" said Lou, pulling back the curtains.


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"A good place for honeymooners then." Paul stood next to her and peered out the windows.

"Got any binoculars?" he raised an eyebrow at her.

"No I don't. And yes we do get a lot of honeymooners." It was a strange comment for a man

to make. Lou was tempted to ask him if he had any plans and couldn't help noticing he had no

wedding ring. She also noticed his wide shoulders, strong forearms and comfortable-fitting

jeans.

He caught her looking at him and smiled."Right Mr, sorry Paul," Lou became business-like, "I'll take you on a tour and show you

what needs to be fixed."

Half an hour later Paul strolled back to his cabin to grab his toolbox and get started. The

smaller problems were okay but the generator looked a little nasty. He dug out a jacket from

his pack, turned up the collar and dashed through the rain. It was coming down hard now and if

he had correctly assessed what he had seen then he needed to work quickly or they might have

a very dark and cold weekend.

On her way back to reception Lou noticed a figure outside in the rain, heading for the cliff.

Peering into the gathering dark she recognised Arnold Strong striding towards the cliff.

Surveying his territory. No umbrella for him. Man against the elements obviously. She

wondered if she should go after him and warn him against straying too far from the lodge in

the fading light. She was still weighing up the pros and cons of Strong's safety versus risking

his patronizing manner when her thoughts were interrupted by a muffled crash from the

kitchen. Cursing her absent staff, she set off to investigate.


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7

The well-built lodge was a haven against the howling winds that were becoming morethreatening, and by cocktail hour most of the guests had already gravitated to its solid walls.

Paul arrived at the door to the bar, shaking out the water from his jacket. The older man was

sitting drinking by himself near the fireplace. By the windows Nathan was speaking to Kylie,

his manner suggesting it was a life or death issue. Yasmin was looking bored and flipping

through some magazines in the corner. Paul strolled over to the bar. Lou had changed into a

black dress, swept up her hair and was serving behind the bar.

"You clean up well."

Lou looked at him. "Gee thanks. I feel so good about myself now."

"Can't take a compliment."

"Is that what that was? You need to come with instructions."

"Oh I'm not that hard to work out. Cascade Light thanks luv," said Paul, making himself at

home on one of the bar stools. After the first sip he turned and surveyed the room.

"Well well well, here we all are drinking on the company tab." Arnold strode in and filled the

room.

He went to the bar and sat on the stool next to Paul. "Do you have any wine worth drinking

in this place?" he asked Lou.

"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with what's available, sir," said Lou, handing him a

wine list.

After a few minutes careful consideration, "Hmmm, well I guess this will have to do. Open abottle of the Hardy's cab sav and just put it on the account."

Lou poured him a generous glass before disappearing towards the kitchen.

Paul took another sip of his beer and casually picked up the wine list. Arnold had chosen the

most expensive bottle. Paul knew a little about wines, his father had been manager on a

vineyard, and he knew enough to know that Arnold had chosen the most expensive wine, not

the best, or the most appropriate.

Lou came back into the lounge. "Dinner is served, if you would like to follow me, please." Sheturned into the dining room. The guests got to their feet and followed her. Kylie spotted Paul

and zeroed in on him. "Paul is it? Why don't you join us?" She smiled like a cat that got the

cream but that reminded him of a mean old cat his mother once owned. He was a dog person

himself. Kylie tossed her hair and took his arm. "Tell me all about yourself."

"Well that will take care of the first two minutes of dinner table conversation," said Paul.

Kylie laughed a little too loudly as she lead him away.

"Well I wouldn't want to have to go through many of those dinners again," Paul said. "I'm

actually kind of glad that the power went off. Any more business bullshit and I would've


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started throwing the cutlery. Can you hold the torch a little higher?" Paul wiped a greasy hand

across his forehead as he squinted at the ailing generator.

Lou adjusted her grip. "Hmmm. That's just what I need a roomful of pissed off and pissed

high paying executives staying at a resort with no power. I'm just glad the power didn't go out

until everyone had at least been served their desserts." The door banged shut. "Jeepers! And I

just heard on the radio that the cyclone's changed course again." Paul paused and looked at her.

"Yeah?""Yeah," she sighed. "Not my weekend."

"Yeah well I'm sorry but this doesn't look good. I'm going to be able to keep this going for

the moment but I don't know how long it'll last. I need to get some parts. I'll go back to town in

the morning and see what I can get."

"You might not be able to get back. The road's out and the ferry's not due until Sunday

afternoon."

"Better get busy distributing some candles then. At least with the candlelight it might turn

into a romantic weekend."

Lou laughed. "I think there's more office politics than romance going on in that groupsomehow."

"Oh I don't know." Paul sat back on his heels and gave the side of the generator a thump with

the flat of his hand. "I think Mr Strong is expecting some romantic entanglements this

weekend. He and his PA seem very cosy. More light over here please."

Lou leant over Paul holding the torch steady. "Yes I noticed that. But I also noticed that he

took a long call from his wife during dinner."

"Well remind me never to try and fool you. You are far too clever." He got to his feet slowly

and winced as he rubbed a knee. "Ready to go."

Lou snapped off the torch as the light came on in the shed. She opened the door and it blew

shut. "It's getting bad out there. I need to go around and check that everything's tied down."

"Need a hand? You don't look like you're dressed for tramping through the rainforest." He

looked at her black slip of a dress covered by an over-large yellow raincoat.

She shook out the raincoat a little and scattered drops on the floor. "I sure could. Thanks."

Paul got ready to open the door and make a run for the lodge. "Do your guests need to be

told?"

"Let's tell them the cyclone's coming but not about the power situation."

"Sure thing. I don't think that will be difficult anyway. When we left it looked like they were

all going to have a very long and drunken night."

Paul gasped as Lou opened the door and the wind blew away his words. She wrapped her

raincoat and pulled the hood over her head and they hurried towards the lodge. Circling the

building Paul and Lou locked doors, shut windows and put away tools lying around. They

grabbed all of the spare torches they could find and made for the kitchen door.

Pausing behind the kitchen out of the wind, Lou yelled, "I need to go in and let the chef

know what's going on and give out some more candles and torches."


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"I'll go around and check all the cabins if you like."

"Thank you." Lou flashed him a quick smile which warmed him despite the cold and then

she was gone.

8

Paul pulled his Drizabone tighter and headed towards the nearest cabin. It was difficult terrain

to traverse in the dark, and he stumbled from time to time. Everything seemed secure, and he

was heading towards the last cabin, when he saw a flash and realized that someone was

sheltering beneath the verandah. The flash of light was followed by a hiss and a yell. Paul was

tempted to remain in the dark and sneak past but with the cyclone coming he thought he should

at least warn whoever it was to get inside.

He turned up the path to the cabin and hurried to the verandah. As he got closer, he heard

angry voices and then Nathan Clearview pushed past him, muttering under his breath, "Out of

my way."

"Hey, watch it mate."

Arnold Strong appeared and shouted above the rain. "And don't you forget it Clearview. You

think you're next in lineyou've got no chance. Backstabbing bastard." Strong peered into the

storm. "Who's that?"

"It's Paul," he said, joining him on the verandah. "What was that all about?"

"Oh just the usual vultures circling," Strong replied, heading back inside. Paul followed him,shaking out his coat. "Everyone in the company thinks I'm about to retire or die and wants to

get in on the act. I can't trust any of them."

Paul noticed a nearly empty bottle of scotch on the sideboard and suspected Strong was

settling in for a long night and wanted some company.

Strong went over to the mini bar. "You run your own business, right?"

"Yes in a manner of speaking. I'm a contractor." Paul shut the door against the wind and

leaned against it.

"You have plans to grow the business? Want to be a wealthy man?"

"No I'm pretty keen to avoid all of that actually. Just me on my own is fine. Too muchpaperwork as it is."

Arnold Strong poured himself a drink. "Want a touch?"

Paul shook his head. "No thanks mate, I'd better keep my wits about me with this cyclone

about. I might need to do some more repairs."

Strong sank into an armchair. "So just you, eh? Take my advice and keep it that way. Then

you won't have any employees snapping at your heels. I've been in business for over thirty

years. I've owned every kind of business, sold real estate, worked in bankinghell I even had

a restaurant for a whileand the staff have always been the biggest headache."


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"Yeah well, nothing's stopping you leaving is there?"

"What and give them the satisfaction of replacing me just when the company's about to go

global?"

"Yeah?" Paul tried to appear interested but edged closer to the door.

"We're just about to sign a lucrative deal with a Chinese manufacturer. I am about to become

a very rich man and I'm not going to let a bunch of bloodsuckers take it away from me."

Paul held up his hands in mock defence.

"Okay, mate, whatever you reckon. Look, I'm just going around trying to warn people that

the cyclone's changed course and is heading back this way. You might want to think of joining

us back in the lodge. It's the strongest building."

"What? Nonsense. Cyclones never hit here. Besides, I can look after myself. I'll grab a

couple more bottles and settle in here for the night."

"Suit yourself. I'll"

There was a knocking at the door.

Paul leaned over and opened the door.

"Arnold I was worried," Yasmin Perfect rushed in with the wind, chattering and soakedthrough.

She saw Paul and her manner changed. "Arnold, we were worried, I was just coming to, to

see if you wanted to join us in the lodge."

Arnold smiled. "Well that's very considerate darling. Paul here was also very concerned for

my welfare. Seems I'm very popular tonight."

"Well I'll leave you to it then," Paul smirked as he closed the door behind him.

He pulled his collar higher and headed back to the lodge.


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9

Back in the kitchen, Lou was organizing supplies with the chef. "Thanks so much for awonderful dinner, Clara. It must have been difficult with the power going on and off."

Clara lifted a box effortlessly with her muscular arms. "Yes, well I'm used to rough cooking.

Ten years in a top Sydney restaurant, it can get cutthroat. I'd much rather handle a few power

shortages than the knife-throwing histrionics of your average big city chef."

"So you're glad you made the sea-change?" Lou handed her a crate of water.

Clara shouldered it and placed it on the shelf above her head. "No need to ask Lou. Here I

can step outside and see the trees. I can breathe. Money's not everything."

Lou stood with her hands on her hips in mock anger. "Was that a crack about the salary?"

"No but if you ever do hit the big time remember the little people who helped you get there!"

Lou grinned. "Absolutely!" She paused and surveyed the storeroom. "So you think we have

enough here to feed these people if we get stuck here?"

"For a month if we need to, but I'd hate to think that we have this bunch here for that long."

Clara rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Of course if we have to resort to eating each other,

as the only qualified chef I get to choose who goes first."

"Yeah who would your choice be?"

Clara nodded towards the corridor behind Lou. "Well here's someone who would be near the

top of the list."

"Lou? I'm sorry to interrupt you." Kylie tapped on the kitchen door.

"Don't worry Ms Humann, we're just getting supplies together in case the cyclone does hit

us." Lou wiped her hands on a towel and smiled. "How can I help you?"

"Well I was just checking to see if there was any way to use a phone? The phone in my cabin

doesn't seem to be working."

"Yes of course, let's try the one in the office. It might be just your phone as the main line was

working earlier this evening."

"Clara can you finish here while I look after Ms Humann?" asked Lou.

Clara nodded. "No problem. This won't take long and then I'm off to bed."

Lou led Kylie down the corridor and turned into the office.

"Just through here Ms Humann."

"Kylie please."

"Kylie." Lou picked up the phone. "We're in luck. There's still a dial tone," she handed over

the receiver. "I'll leave you to your call."


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As she left Lou wondered who she was calling at 11pm on a Friday night. She was tempted

to stay and put her ear to the door but that would hardly be ethical. Tearing herself away she

headed towards the bar to see what the rest of her guests were up to.

The glow of the fireplace failed to lighten the mood of the current occupants in the lounge. Ed

Senior was propped up at the bar, drooping into his scotch and Nathan Clearview was sittingnear the fire looking very depressed and holding tight to a bottle. The CEO and his PA were

noticeably absent.

Lou took another look at the morose Nathan and decided he was beyond her powers of

hospitality.

"Mr Senior, I'm probably going to have to close the bar soon." Lou went behind the bar and

started to wipe down the counter.

"Ed please."

"Ed." Lou stopped her cleaning and looked at him with some sympathy. "How about a

nightcap before turning in?""Oh of course of course, we need to get our beauty sleep, don't we? This is a lovely place,

reminds me of a resort I visited with my wife in Jakarta many years ago."

Ed rambled on. Lou tuned out, nodding and smiling while she watched Nathan Clearview in

the corner. Kylie suddenly appeared at the door, looked about, saw Nathan, and joined him at

the fireplace. She was very animated about whatever news she was sharing and he listened

intently, nodding. Kylie looked up and saw Lou watching them and smiled briefly, whispered

to Nathan and then stood up and came to the bar.

"Can I get you something Kylie?" asked Lou.

"No thanks, I'd rather stay fresh for tomorrow. We have a lot to get through." She looked

pointedly at Ed, who was suddenly engrossed in his drink.

"Well good night then."

"Good night."

"And I'll need to say good night to you too Ed as I have a lot to tend to with the weather." Lou

started to put the bottles away in the drinks cabinet.

"Yes of course dear. Good night." Ed didn't move.

Nathan stood up and swayed a little. He clutched at the mantle piece.

"Are you okay Mr Clearview?"

He grunted and nodded. He said a curt good night and staggered out of the door.

Lou turned to leave.

"You must think us a strange bunch do you Miss" Ed was focusing on her now, rather than

the contents of his glass.

"Lou please."

"We aren't all as we appear."


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"How so Ed?" Lou leaned back towards the bar, trying to work out an escape route.

"Well I wasn't always like thiswashed up." He paused and looked back down at his drink.

"I'm getting the flick soon you know."

"Really? How do you know?"

"I overheard Arnold on the phone before we left. I don't know why he bothered to bring me

on this retreat. Some perverse pleasure. That man's mind is so twisted you could spend an

eternity trying to decipher his motives."But I don't fit anymore you see. Twenty, even ten years ago, I could still charge into new

markets and sign up more customers than they could supply, but not now. Everything seems to

have changed. The way you do business. There doesn't seem to be time for an old man like

me." He lowered his voice as if in confession. "I don't feel comfortable using a mobile phone

you know. Fifteen years ago no one did but now you are considered strange if you say you

don't want to be contacted after hours and if you don't spend all of your time checking emails."

"You don't?"

"No I don't own a laptop either. There's one for me at the office of course but I've always

preferred actually speaking to people, getting to know them, you know?"

"Yes. That's not a talent many people have. It's a gift."

"You are kind to say so but no, it's a skill that they don't seem to care about these days. I

helped them build up this company through my own sweat and blood. Spent months away

from my family. My wife died last year, my children don't speak to me and what have I got to

show for twenty-five years dedicated service? A bunch of ungrateful teenagers taking over the

company and sacking me."

Ed shook his head and his shoulders started to heave. Lou was afraid he was going to cry.

She could hear the bitterness in his voice. He reminded her of her own father who spent most

of his life tied to the office and then suddenly dropped dead only two years into retirement. She

suddenly felt sorry for Ed. "Would you like another before I put the bottle away?""Why not? Strong's paying for it." He tried to smile but failed. Lou could see how deeply

unhappy he was.

Lou poured him a generous measure and then quietly put away the bottle and locked the

drinks cabinet.

"Well I need to turn in. Good night Ed."

"Eh? Yes goodnight."

As Lou left the room, she crashed into Paul as he came around the corner."Whoa, that was good timing. You off to bed now?" He hadn't taken off his jacket and she

could feel that he was soaked through.

Lou disentangled herself from his arms. "Yes I am. Is everything all right outside?"

"Yes all ship shape and honkey dorey."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."


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They stood staring at each other for a few seconds. Lou broke first. "You should really get

changed out of those wet things."

Paul leaned towards her. "Is that a proposition Ms Able?"

She took a step back. "I am concerned about the health of all of my guests Mr Handy."

"Damn. And here I thought I was special." Paul pretended to be hurt. He sighed. "I guess I'll

get over it."

Lou smiled, "I have no doubt you will. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Paul watched her walk down the hall and then stood trying to decide whether to have a drink

or turn in. He went to the door of the lounge, saw Ed sitting at the bar with his head in his

hands and decided against a drink. Clipping his coat he turned once more into the rain and to

bed.

10

"So your charm didn't work so well on Ms Able." David couldn't resist interrupting.

"I was simply biding my time," Paul smiled.

"Yeah, right."

"Well anyway, good thing you chose to insult me there because we are up to the third letter.

E for ENVIRONMENT."

David frowned and shook his head. "Nope, sorry, you've got me there. Tell me more, Obi

Won."

Paul chuckled. "Okay, well, if you were listening to Ed pouring out his heart over a few

drinks you'll see that he is a classic case of someone who hasn't kept up with the changing

environment around him. He knows that he is out of step, but doesn't know how to do things

differently and he isn't really motivated to try. As an employee, or even in your own

business, you need to keep in touch with what is happening for your clients, your colleagues,

and about the world in general. You need to be able to speak the same language, to feel

confident about where you're headed, and not fall behind."

"And I guess if you know what is happening out in the world you are better positioned to see

opportunities and then build some strategies to make use of them."

Paul nodded sagely. "You are on the right path, Luke."David laughed. "This is getting interesting. I can't wait to see who gets murdered."

"I'm happy to continue, but all this talking is making me a bit thirsty." Paul looked pointedly

at the empty bottle on the table in front of them.

David sighed. "Take your point, wise one. My round I think."

Paul ran a hand through his curls and rubbed his head. "Righto, now where were we?"


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Summary

Environment

To ensure you are aware of current and future trends in your working environment, think about

the realities of your marketplace:

What local market place issues do you need to take into account in your career plan?

What will your occupation and industry look like in five, ten, twenty years?

What skills, qualifications and knowledge will be in demand in the future? For example, whatimpact will globalisation, technology and social change have on your career?

Saturdays always started early for Clara. An early morning power walk around the grounds

just as the sun was rising was the most enjoyable part of her day. She could almost believe that

she was the only person on earth. Even though it was still raining, it had lightened and thewind had died down a little. She could not see the sun but a light was spreading through the

rainforest and she could just make out the cabins spread out on the hill.

She turned to the cliffher favourite part of the morning's walk. She could hear the sound of

the crashing waves against the rain and breathed in the spray which flew up onto her face. The

edge was slippery and she was careful where she placed her hiker's boots. She thought she

heard a strange cry from the rainforest and turned, but the lodge and cabins spread out silently

behind her. Lou was sometimes up this early, but Clara usually had the morning to herself.

Must have been a catbird. She moved closer to the edge, reaching her arms over her head andbreathing deeply into the wind. Releasing her arms she flopped forward and shook herself like

a rag doll. Her yoga teacher had encouraged her to try this move for relaxation. She still

suffered from anxiety attacks as a result of her stressful previous job and religiously followed

her yoga and tai chi daily.

Breathing in the misty horizon her eyes followed the huge waves as they crashed into the cliff

below. On the shoreline she saw something move on the edges of the water.

Another piece of refuse that ended up here from the shipping channel out to sea? It was hardto tell in the rain, and she shielded her eyes and moved a little closer. Suddenly the ground

started to give and Clara panicked and quickly scrambled back to more solid footing.

From what she could make out, it was a body and it wasn't moving. It was hard to tell who it

was but it was a male and there was a good chance it was one of the guests.

As she started to run back to the lodge Clara thought about Lou. This was turning into a

rotten weekend for her boss.


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11

Lou peered down to the bottom of the cliff, trying to shield her eyes from the horizontal rain."Can you tell who it is?"

"No, too hard to tell from here."

"Jeepers, this is all we need." Lou suddenly looked ashamed at what she had said. "Sorry, it's

just that with the Edge just getting off the ground, the death of a guest isn't exactly going to

help things."

"It's okay," said Clara, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"I just can't understand how someone could have fallen down there. There are signs and a

railing," Lou said.

They both looked again to the bottom of the cliff.

"Well no matter how he got there, he's not going to explain to us now," said Clara with a wry

grin.

"Okay," said Lou, "Can you get breakfast ready while I call the police? Well, I'll try to call

the police. I doubt if they are going to want to rush out here with a cyclone offshore."

As they turned and hurried back to the lodge the rain returned with its full fury and the wind

blew them indoors.

Lou strode towards the office and went straight to the phone. There was silence as she placed

the receiver to her ear.

"Damn."

"Hey, you okay?" Paul suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Lou pulled him through the door and shut it behind him.

"Hey don't rush this baby, there's enough of me to go around," Paul smiled and reached for

Lou.

"Don't joke around."

"Who's joking?"

Lou held him off with a hand on his chest and said, "Hold on there sunshine." She took a

deep breath. "There's a body at the bottom of the cliff. I'm trying to phone the police and the

line is dead."

"Well that's a mood breaker if ever I heard one." Paul stood back and crossed his arms.

"This is not a time for joking." Lou scooted back to the other side of the desk. "I'll use the

two-way."

"Who is it? At the bottom of the cliff?"

"What? Oh I don't know, I guess I should check and see who is missing."

Lou clutched the two-way handset in one hand biting her lips.

Paul sighed. "You ring the cops, I'll do a head count. Okay?"


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"Thank you."

"No worries. It's just what I feel like a brisk morning walk in the middle of a cyclone."

Paul disappeared out the door before she had the chance to reply.

"So who is it?" asked Lou in a low voice as she met Paul at the lodge entrance.

Paul waited until they were back to the office before replying. "Well from what I can tell it

looks like Strong. I recognized the jacket he was wearing last night. His cabin is unlocked and

empty. And as I was walking back I spotted the other four heading in for breakfast." Paul

collapsed on the top of her desk.

Lou stood at the window and peered out into the gloom. "What will it take to get him up?"

"More good will than I have towards him that's for sure."

Lou turned around. "That's not funny Sorry," Lou said. "I just got off the blower from

Cairns Police and they said that there isn't anything they can do for the next 24 hours or so

until the cyclone blows over. Too dangerous for them to try and attempt to get through the road

and they're all needed in town.""They said not to move the body."

"Did you" Paul started.

"Yes I told them it's at the bottom of a cliff and if we didn't move it it would be washed away

in the storm.

"So"

"So they said, in that case, we had their permission to bring it up to the lodge and try not to

'interfere' with it too much."

"They think we're a bunch of weirdos?"

"You know what I mean.""Yeah. Well I'd better round up a couple of people to help us."

Lou was grateful for the "us". Paul had assumed she needed him and for the moment she was

grateful for his help. He started to get up from the table.

"There's just one thing," Lou placed a hand on his arm. "The police said it was okay to move

him because it was an accident."

Paul sat back down and looked at her carefully. "And you don't think it was?"

Lou lowered her voice and leaned closer in. "I don't know. It just seems like too much of a

coincidence. All his staff hated him, it was a clearly marked path and it seems strange for him

to have gone for a walk in the middle of the night when a cyclone is coming. What if it wasn'tan accident?"

A knock at the half-open door startled them both. It opened slowly to reveal the distraught face

of Yasmin Perfect. She looked from Lou to Paul and back. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Is

Arnold dead?"

"How did you"Lou began, walking over to the door.


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Yasmin's voice cracked. "I overheard you talking. Is it true?"

Lou tried to be as gentle as she could. "Yes, it looks that way."

The perfectly composed Ms Perfect suddenly seemed to collapse from within. Lou helped

her to a seat and Paul got her a glass of water from the jug on the desk.

"Thank you," said Yasmin, taking the glass. "I just don't believe it. How did it happen?"

"It seems that Mr Strong may have wandered too close to the edge and fallen over the cliff."

"Oh he wouldn't have done that."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Well he's scared of heights."

"How do you know that?" Paul was intrigued.

Yasmin began to study her nails and kept her face low. "I just know."

Paul looked as if he was going to persist but Lou cut him off.

"I'm sorry Yasmin but we really need to get going. We'll round up the others and let them

know what's happening."

Lou led her towards the door and spotted Clara down the corridor."Clara can you get Ms Perfect a hot drink please and show her to the lounge?"

Lou shut the door behind her and leaned against it.

"So what do you think of that lot?" Paul nodded to the door.

"Are you asking me if I think she's hiding something?"

"Yes Miss Marple," he smiled. "You were rather good by the way tea and sympathy and

all that."

"I studied psychology at Uni. It just takes a bit of listening."

Paul stood up. "Well it's all very interesting but we've still got a grisly job ahead of us. Let's

round up Clearview, who's probably heard by now and see if we can somehow manage to getMr Strong back up the cliff.

"I've got an emergency stretcher which should make it easier."

Paul peered out into the weather. "Hauling a dead man up a cliff in the middle of a cyclone? I

don't think anything is going to make this easy."


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12

Later, standing at the top of the cliff, Lou wondered about whether what they were doing madeany sense at all. She was nearly getting blown away and Paul, Nathan and Ed were obviously

struggling down the bottom. The waves were bigger than she had ever seen them and they

were crashing around the men's feet as they clambered along the edge of the rock face. She

wondered what was going through each of their minds as they risked their own lives for a man

that none of them had any respect for.

She had been surprised by Clearview's reaction when they had told him the news just half an

hour before. She and Paul entered the lounge just after Yasmin, who had obviously told all the

Medivalue staff. Kylie, Ed and Nathan were clustered around her, trying to make sense of what

she was saying between sobs.

"Is this true?" Nathan saw them enter and came charging over towards them. "Is Arnolddead?"

Lou nodded. "We were just coming to tell you. I've spoken to the police on the mainland but

with the cyclone coming they can't reach us by boat and the road's out and even so they have

enough to do in town at present." Lou looked at each of their faces, trying to gauge whether

any of them would be capable of murder. They all looked shocked and upset but their concern

seemed out-of-place considering what they all thought of Arnold.

"But how could this have happened? I mean, what was he doing out there at the cliff?"

Nathan looked wildly from Paul to Lou. "What's going on?"

"I wish I knew Mr Clearview but," Lou started.

"You mean one of your guests has died and you don't have a clue about how it happened or

what's going on?" Nathan's face was white and Lou could see a vein throbbing at the side of

his forehead.

Kylie, comforting a sobbing Yasmin, stepped in. "I hardly think that's going to help things

now, Nathan." She placed a hand on his shoulder and he nodded and bowed his head, taking a

few deep breaths.

"Sorry." He looked at Lou. "It's just a shock that's all."

"Forget it. I'm very sorry for your loss." Lou looked at all of them in turn.

Kylie recovered first and broke the silence. "So what do we do?"

"When I explained to the police about the body's location and that I thought it might get

washed away they suggested that we retrieve it."

"So we've come looking for volunteers," Paul said.

"Retrieve it?" said Yasmin, standing up. "You're going to climb down and carry up

Arnold's body?"

"Yes unless anyone's got any better ideas?" Lou looked at each of her guests. "No? Well let's

get going then before the cyclone gets so bad we can't do anything."

"Yes, yes of course," Nathan pinched his lips with his fingers. "I'll come."


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"I will too of course," said Ed stepping forward. "I might not be as fit as I once was but I

learnt how to handle myself in the army."

"What can we do?" Kylie looked calm and prepared for anything.

"You and I will wait at the top of the cliff just in case we are needed," said Lou. "Yasmin,

perhaps you might like to help Clara in the kitchen make us some sandwiches and strong

coffee?" Lou added, more to give Yasmin something to do than for any assistance she could

probably offer. Clara would kill her for inflicting the weeping Yasmin on her, but she'd dealwith that later.

"Okay guys lets get cracking," Paul rubbed his hands together and headed out the door.

Now Lou wondered whether they'd been too gung-ho and sure of themselves in the

circumstances. The wind was making every flying branch a potential lethal weapon and she

and Kylie were in danger of getting swept off the top of the cliff. But the men had reached the

body, just as the waves started to crash over the top of it. Paul and Nathan were carrying the

stretcher between them and placed it near the body, while Ed held a blanket ready.

Lou noticed that they had stopped and Nathan and Paul seemed to be arguing about

something. She could hardly see. The raindrops felt like bullets.

"What's going on do you think?" Kylie had appeared at her side and leaned over the edge.

Lou pulled her back and yelled, "Don't get too close."

"I can take care of myself." Kylie adjusted her cap and jacket.

"Yes well that's what your boss thought too."

"I don't think he would have gone over the edge without some encouragement." Kylie's

words were hard to make out.

"What did you say?" Lou shouted into the wind.

"Look there's something going on down there," Kylie ignored her question and pointed to the

bottom.

Paul had turned the body over and it flopped like a rag doll against the rocks. The three men

stood and looked down at the body and then Paul looked up at Lou shaking his head slowly.

Nathan seemed to be shouting at Paul and Ed and gesturing towards the ocean as it crashed

against their legs. But Ed placed a hand on his shoulder and he seemed to calm down. He

nodded at Paul and, with what seemed like little effort, they placed the body on the stretcher,

covered it with a blanket, strapped it in and turned slowly to retrace their steps.

Lou hoped they would hurry as the path was quickly disappearing under the rising water. She

saw Paul shout something at Ed who moved ahead of them, parleying out the ropes that wereattached to the sides of the stretcher. Ed made his way up the cliff path. He had reached the

handrail at the bottom of the stone steps and started to make some ground.

"He's stronger than he looks," thought Lou as she and Kylie moved to the top of the steps. Ed

was panting hard by the time he reached them but he efficiently handed them the ropes which

they tied to the top of the rail. There was no point in speaking with the howl of the wind and so

with hand gestures they positioned themselves on the ropes and started to haul.


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Paul and Nathan had reached the base of the steps and, as the ropes tightened, they started to

ascend. It seemed like hours before they reached the top but in reality within forty-five minutes

they had all reached the doors of the lodge. Paul and Nathan continued to carry the stretcher

down the main corridor to the kitchen and then out the rear door to the lean-to cold-room. Lou

unlocked the padlock and, exhausted and grateful, they placed their burden on the clean tiled

floor.

They each stood for a moment in silence staring at the bundle wrapped in an old grey blanket

before Yasmin burst through the door and threw herself at the body. Nathan reached down and

roughly hauled her to her feet.

"You can stop pretending to be upset Yasmin," Nathan snarled. "He doesn't deserve your

tears. Or anyone else's for that matter."

"Nathan there's no need for that," Kylie held the sobbing Yasmin. "There's no need to be so

cruel."

"Oh I'm not the cruel one here. I'm just one of the poor suckers who just risked his life

walking up and down a cliff face in a freaking cyclone. Arnold's still the biggest bastard here."

Kylie looked at Nathan and then turned to Paul. "What's going on?"

Paul knelt at the side of the stretcher. "It seems that your boss has a sense of humour." All

eyes focused on the blanket. Paul untied the rope and pulled the blanket aside.

"No!" Yasmin gasped as Kylie staggered against her weight. Lou's hands went to her mouth

and she looked at Paul, who shrugged and shook his head. "I don't know what the hell your

boss thinks he's up to, but I'd like to have a word with him."

"Get in line," Nathan snarled. "I can't believe you insisted on bringing it back up here. I

wanted to throw it into the ocean and be done with it."

Lou knelt next to Paul and gingerly pulled aside the cap which was covering the head. Thehair came off and revealed the full extent of the hoax. An eerie wax face stared back at her.

"He brought a dummy with him?"

"Well the head anyway. The rest is a kind of cloth bag in the shape of a body, filled with

sand so that it would fall I guess. And he dressed it in his clothes." Paul replaced the blanket

and stood up.

"A pretty elaborate joke don't you think?" Lou asked, looking at the Medivalue staff standing

around.

"Well I'm glad he's not here," said Kylie, "Because if he was I'd want to kill him."

Yasmin pulled free of Kylie's arms. "But if this isn't Arnold, then where is he?" Shelooked frantically from one to another. "We have to find him. We have to see if he's all right."

Lou found it hard to meet Yasmin's eyes.

Ed was the only one who took pity on her. "I'm sure he's fine dear. If he was fit enough to

haul that thing off a cliff last night then I'm sure he's around here somewhere, just waiting to

jump out at us and shout 'Surprise.'"

"I hope he does," said Nathan. "Just give me five minutes with him and I'll"

"You'll what?" challenged Kylie. "Give him a good talking-to?" She rolled her eyes. "Don't

make threats you don't have the guts to follow through on. Arnold's playing another one of his


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macho boot camp games and he expects us to all fall to pieces. Well I for one, am not going to

crumble." She turned to the door. "I'm going to have a hot shower and a change of clothes and

then have something to eat." She looked at Lou. "I think I heard you say something about

coffee and sandwiches?"

Lou quickly got to her feet. "Yes sorry, I'll arrange to have it served in the lounge now.

Please excuse me, I'll have to call the police and tell them there's been a mistake." She

followed Kylie out of the door. Ed ushered Yasmin out, still babbling about finding Arnold.

Paul shook his head and nodded at Nathan. "After you mate."

Paul took one last look behind him as he locked and bolted the door behind them.

13

A short time later, the group reassembled in the lounge. The rescuers had all showered and

changed into dry clothes and gratefully accepted the hot drinks and sandwiches. Lou hadradioed the mainland and told the police the results of the morning's expedition. They seemed

annoyed but busy and had kept the conversation short, promising only to "keep in touch". Lou

was relieved that they had the distraction of the cyclone and hadn't asked too many questions.

She checked the cyclone reports and learned that Bertha had once again changed course and

was heading directly southstraight for the tiny peninsula where they sat, jutting out into the

bay.

As she left the office and headed towards the lounge she heard what sounded like an argum

how to get ahead without murder your boss - helen burton

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