5Don’t Disappear

Our expression and our words never coincide,which is why the animals don’t understand us.

MALCOLM DE CHAZAL

As a lengthy consulting project ended, the CEO of the client organization took me out to dinner to celebrate. During the meal, he asked, “Is there anybody on my team who you think deserves special recognition? I believe in giving strokes where they’re due. Obviously, Norm and Najma were key players. But who else have I overlooked?”

“Well, now that you ask—Wayne has really impressed me with both his competence and his commitment.”

“Who?”

“Wayne.” I had to give him the last name.

“Really.” The CEO looked as if he were punching the information into his brain and receiving only error messages. The readout told him Wayne in ...

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