Confessions of an IT Manager_Phil Factor

62 The Incident of 'The Two Johns' – an IT Manager confesses
rather wanted him to realize that he had a lot more potential and that he should
take a bit more control, and drift less. Although the report was as bland and
complimentary as such things have to be, I put the message pretty strongly, and
wrote that everybody was hoping for more from him, as we'd all benefit, both
he and the company.
When the day came, I issued the reports and worked through the interviews.
Dull John was first in. Although I had been as careful as possible, I was still
worried that my report might have offended him. To my complete surprise he
was all smiles, and expressed his entire agreement with the report. He had no
issues at all and shook me warmly by the hand.
As he stood up to leave, I glanced down and noticed that he had Clever
John's appraisal. Somehow I'd mixed up the two reports. Working late, I
suppose. The confusion of the same name, I shall never know. The brain can
play tricks when one is tired.
I sank down despairingly in my chair wondering what to do next. Suddenly I
realised the implication of Clever John getting Dull John's report and I was
gripped by a sudden panic. At that very moment there was a tap on the door and
in walked Clever John.
I sank down in my chair with despair