I failed today

A very high up person on the organization chart was fired today. I went to say goodbye and he was crying in his office. Because he was so unemotional in his job, I was flummoxed and didn’t know what to do. Even though it wasn’t me who was crying I felt so uncomfortable and left after saying a few nice words. I’m kicking myself now and wish I put aside my feelings and offered something to this crying man... I wish I asked him if he wanted to step out for a coffee or beer. I feel like I should’ve been a friend at that moment and let the hierarchical differences fade away. I’ve never seen a man crying at work before and I failed miserably at making a very sad human being today feel a little less lonely and devastated. I’m sorry... I wish I could rewind and redo today.

6 Comments

Post a Comment

Anonymous

Feb 26, 2020 at 11:50pm

don’t tell us this. tell him.

You still can

Feb 27, 2020 at 6:38am

Someone who works with him has their contact info. Discreetly seek it and call them instead of hiding behind "should haves" and "could haves".

you didn't do as bad as you think

Feb 27, 2020 at 12:07pm

Trust me on this. You didn't do as bad as you think. Most people, by the time they're crying at work, really would prefer to be unseen...you did something very kind, and he will remember it. Hopefully he has someone at home to talk to.

Anonymous

Feb 28, 2020 at 8:27am

go find him and still do it.

7 2Rating: +5

And ....

Feb 29, 2020 at 8:10pm

... maybe he read what you wrote .... and maybe it made a difference ...

4 2Rating: +2

You did not fail

Mar 5, 2020 at 5:56pm

You learned a lesson and grew as a person.

2 5Rating: -3

Join the Discussion

What's your name?