“Yes, Mr. Harroll. I understand,” Juan was doing his best to calm the irate customer in front of him.
Mr. Harroll was the Production Manager for PhoenixData Nexus, a new data center scheduled to come online in the summer. Juan was overseeing the construction of a huge bank of steel shelving designed to hold the enormous computer servers that were waiting to be installed. Something had gone wrong with the delivery, and Juan had tried to make his team “look” busy while he tried to figure out the problem. But the Production Manager wasn’t buying it.
“You’re responsible for this mess, Torres!” Mr. Harrol’s words pierce the air like hot metal. “We trusted you to get this installation done on time, but instead we’ve got more delays.”
“We can’t finish the install without those parts…” Juan tried to explain. “No sir, I don’t know what happened…”
But Juan knew exactly what had happened. A nationwide run on the regional banks had caused widespread disruptions in the supply chain. The metal fabrication plant he worked for had been caught without access to funds or lines of credit. But none of these facts were of interest to the Production Manager.
“Excuses, Torres!” Harrol scoffed, his skepticism palpable. I don’t care about your challenges. I care about results. DataPhoenix is counting on us to deliver, and your incompetence jeopardizes that.”
Juan’s hands balled into fists. “With all due respect, Mr. Harrol, I’ve been in this industry for a long time and have never encountered a situation like this before. But I promise, we’re doing everything we can to finish the installation.”
Harroll cursed at Juan.
“Mr. Harroll,” with herculean effort, Juan restrained his temper. “Please don’t use that kind of language with me.”
Harroll wasn’t expecting Juan to stand his ground. When it became clear that Juan couldn’t be intimidated, Harroll backed down.
“I’m sorry,” Harroll said softly. “That wasn’t professional. But you don’t understand,” worry lines were etched into his features. “The delay in this installation isn’t just inconvenient,” Harroll continued as though he was desperate to confide in someone. “It’s putting DataPhoenix’s entire operation at risk. We’re dealing with sensitive data, and every moment we’re delayed increases the chance of a security breach.”
Juan’s eyes widened, “I... I had no idea,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t worry, Mr. Harroll. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”
“These bank closures are killing everybody,” Harroll closed his eyes and massaged his temples. “Failure isn’t an option here, Torres. DataPhoenix is depending on us to figure this out.”
Juan discussed the details for a while longer before finally calling it a day and heading home. As he drove, he considered the futility of his promises. I’m not a banking guy, he thought. If Richard doesn’t find some way to restore our line of credit, I don’t see how we can survive.