Confessions of a Free Range Prolapsed Catholic

“If I could turn back time “
Chairperson of a Promotion Panel

The applicant had dressed for the occasion. In she came! Shoulder pads giving her the appearance of an understated executive in the making. An interesting brooch the only accessory on the jacket. Simple pearl earrings. Stockings, low healed leather shoes, no handbag. Power dressed in readiness.

The other members of the panel were two of the organisation’s executive team. I was the CEO. Introductory chatter – to put the candidate at ease. Moving into the meat of the interview ” tell us of a time when you believed you had made a good decision” followed by a hypothetical. We were very big on them.

Time went on. Good answers. Poised, polite, insightful responses. Clearly well thought through. Compliments on the preparation and presentation. I was feeling like a very good chairperson.

“Do either of you have a question” I asked the members of the executive team?” The verbose Executive member started ” The transition from staff member to middle management is a quantum leap. Are you confident you have the experience and ability to fill the position?” I was a bit embarrassed by the question.

There were 4 applicants for the position. Three experienced women and one new to the organisation man.

Her reply was brilliant ” well, if I am unsuccessful in my application I will prepare myself to master the quantum leap by wearing my joggers not heels!”

Unable to control myself , in spite of my dazzlingly high position of CEO in an educational organisation I stood up, applauded her, shook her hand and said ” You’ve got the job.”

The ambulance arrived to care for the executive team members.

I must not have been high enough up the ladder of promotion. The man got the job. The women kept coming back! Not a jogger in sight!

This is a slightly true story! I was the applicant. Successfully made the leap eventually. Shoulder pads fell out of fashion and as for joggers?

Don’t be ridiculous!