As soon as Larry walked in and before he could make
a negative comment to George for interrupting his cre-
ative thought process, George struck hard and fast. He
told Larry point blank that he had had enough of Larry’s
negativity and if he didn’t help move the bus forward in a
positive manner, then he was off the bus, effective imme-
diately. Larry, while in shock at George’s directness, re-
sponded with willingness and agreed to George’s
demands for positive energy and positive contribution.
George wasn’t surprised. He knew Larry had a family and
couldn’t afford to lose his job right now.
Tom, on the other hand, was a completely different
case. He had no allegiances to anyone especially to
George. They had never liked each other and they both
knew it. But this isn’t a matter of liking each other,
George thought. It is a matter of getting things done and
having the right team in place for the NRG-2000 product
launch. So when Tom walked in, George was ready.
“I want you on my team, Tom. But I can’t have you
on the team if you are going to prevent us from achieving
our goals,” George said. “I can’t have you be a disruptive
influence anymore.”
“Who are you kidding?” Tom responded forcefully.
“The only disruptive influence is you. The problems we
are having are not because of me. They are because you
can’t lead. Don’t blame me. Blame yourself. I know we
don’t like each other, never have, but the real problem is
that I don’t respect you as a leader, and I’m certainly not
going to say what you want me to say so I can go on
82
The Energy Bus