Need More Time

Larbonne looked hurt. “Josef, you said you wanted us to buy you some time. We’ve done that for you.”

In his heart, Ranell knew his friend was right. He’d watched his team fight against impossible odds to keep the company from going under. But for how long? But instead of offering a word of appreciation, Ranell growled disdainfully, “We didn’t buy enough time for all the employees we had to lay off.”

A spark of resentment flashed in Larbonne’s eyes. “Oui, we laid off many people. But not all of them, Josef, you know that! Almost two-thirds of our employees remain with us.”

“Actually, I have to back Dominique up on this one," Anderson's sudden shift of support surprised everyone in the room. "I’ll give credit where it’s due. We are a much leaner organization now, and our performance metrics have improved dramatically.”

Larbonne tilted his head and nodded, obviously grateful for the rare vote of confidence.

Seemingly unable to be content with a compliment delivered, Anderson followed up with more bad news. “Here’s the real problem, as I see it.”

Ranell felt his shoulders slump. What is it now?