New Boss

Back in early December, the same day as our District Meeting at work and the "in-house" Christmas Party we had, my boss, Skip, announced he was moving into another position within our area (the "area" in Lennox for us consists of 3 districts - Salt Lake, Phoenix and Denver). Skip had been working in our Denver District for 14 years out of his 33 year career at Lennox - pretty unheard of. He was going to become our Area Business Development Manager. I think he recognized that he needed a change and that we needed some new leadership.

Anyway, Skip made the announcement while I was out of the office picking up food for our Christmas Party - the meeting was nearly out when I got back. He pulled me into his office and told me he waited as long as he could before I got back, but had to finally just say it. All of us were in shock at first, guess we thought Skip would stay until he retired in a couple more years. I became a little emotional - I've worked with him for nearly 4 years, we've had a good working relationship. Always honest with each other, we worked well together.

The following Tuesday, our new District Manager would be coming in. Skip couldn't tell us who it would be, but we would find out soon. There was little speculation, as we had a good idea as to who be filling the job. Todd, a guy who was hired by Lennox in March of last year as a Regional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Manager walked through the door that day with our Area Manager Brent - very excited and a little nervous, I am quite sure. Skip met them both for lunch before they came to the office, but he didn't come back the rest of the day. Todd met with myself, our FTC, Ops Manager and the sales people that day, talking about his experience and goals for us. It's almost like he was just made for the job. Although Todd's "official" first day wasn't to be until January 1st, he was in our office nearly everyday the rest of the year learning from Skip, talking with everyone about what we'd like to see improve and what our goals are. When January 2nd rolled around, the office was his.

Being the helpful and efficient assistantI am, when Todd and the TMs went to their annual sales meeting the middle of January, I purchased a computer desk, some closet storage and a nice chair and went to work on setting his office up. The computer desk before consisted of 2 - two drawer file cabinets and a piece of cabinet sitting on top of them. I just don't understand how Skip worked like that all those years. He was (and still is) so frugal, that he used one of the cheap Sam's club rolling chairs - from the training room - as his office chair. They are just the most uncomfortable things. When Todd got back, he had an organized closet (had to organize his Lennox SWAG and such), a new chair and an actual computer desk. Oh, and 3 new plants and a bookcase from another small office. Finally, he has a work space he can use for awhile - until we get approval to start purchasing new office furniture - woohoo!

It's been almost 2 months that we've had Todd here now, and he's already making an impact. The attitude in our office is much less tense and there is a sense that positive changes will be made that will help us accomplish our district's goals. He has no tolerance for meanness, and where he is able, he'll help "push" along changes in our office. Don't know if we will be able to get rid of the other 2 cancers in the warehouse, but hopefully something will come about in the not too distant future.

All in all, I really like my new boss. He's even going to buy my compound bow and accessories that have been stored away for 10 years (hardly used, still in like-new condition). Wow - I'll make some money on this guy!!