The Announcement

Sherly abruptly wakes from a deep slumber, as if someone woke her up. She smells the gentle sweet aroma of coffee coming from the dining room. She quickly rushes downstairs to start her daily routine with coffee."Good morning Madam", Tamara nervously greets her. " Coffee is ready Madam", she adds. Sherly acknowledges her greetings with a nod and dismisses her to do other housekeeping duties and she hurriedly drank her coffee.

Her mind drifts to the day ahead of her as sips the coffee. Her goal today is to pitch her prospects for elevation to the board of Directors. They were other competitors for this promotion. Details of requirements for consideration were outlined clearly to all who were qualified for the position.

Sherly joined Tyler & Associates company as an executive assistant to the Managing Director five years ago. She had just completed her associate degree in administration management and landed a job in this company in no time. She was determined to work hard and soar to greater heights as she had abbrased herself with the current company structure and she realized that there was potential for her to progress.

She worked in a global company which had multiple branches across the globe. She was based in the city.

The company gave its employees comfortable apartments for accommodation. This package included housekeeper, security and chauffeur services. Shelly, like other employees, also benefited from these privileges, and her housekeeper' name was Tamara. A security company was hired for the apartments security.

On this particular day, she had a new design beige suit tailored for her and it was delivered the previous day. She has always trusted Elegance Designs to tailor her outfits for any occasion on her schedule. As usual, they did a good job for this one too. She admired the design details before dressing up. She had less than an hour to reach the office. She glanced at the mirror to check how fitting the suit was on her body structure, hair and make up, satisfied with what reflected to her in the mirror, she put on her high heels and exited the apartment. The company cay was already waiting for her in the courtyard. She hopped in and casually greeted the driver and they left for the office.

She entered the tall four story office building. She warmly greeted colleagues on the way to her office. This was a medium size office adjacent to the Director General's big office. Her daily duties included many administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings for the Director General. She knew she did her job very well and her bosses were impressed and they often acknowledged her hard work.

The position for the Regional Manager in the company was open for qualifying candidates, although it meant the position was available in another state of the country. One of the tasks was to present global winning strategies which could market and generate revenue turnover to grow the company as well help the company to dominate the market.

Sherly was prepared for this challenge as she was well vested in this area of strategic management and marketing. She had a comprehensive, professional, captivating and convincing presentation for this moment in her career. The was set for candidates to commence at nine o'clock sharp. Fifteen minutes before the set time. Sherly sat in the foyer with her laptop waiting for her turn. Although she felt butterflies in her stomach, she pulled her strength from within, knowing that she is a confident person, an attribute which could work in her favor today. Her name was the third on the list.

Finally, her turn came. She calmly got up and entered the executive board room. She was met with six board members seated at the conference table, with expectant eyes looking at her. She was summoned to take a seat in one of the empty chairs. Although the room felt tense because of the presence of board room members, she was not intimidated or scared. She knew she could handle the challenge.

One of the board spoke calmly but with firmness in her voice. "Good morning Miss Sherly Robarts, please present your pitch as to why this sitting board should consider you for the position of Regional Manager, you have 30 minutes at your disposal".

Sherly acknowledges the members quickly and plugged in her laptop to the giant screen in the boardroom.

"Well, every company's main objective is to inject revenue, grow the brand name, draw the attention of clients and retain them in the process. Re-engineering the current processes is one way to boost the brand and enhance the image of the company. For example, time taken to provide upfront service to clients could be quickened by engaging a self service center for registration. This process could be linked to the national civil registration for auto verification" stated Sherly in her presentation. She had charts, graphics and statistics to validate her presentation.

The board members looked intrigued, and looked at her with awe and with great expectation. Sherly calmly continued to the next point which related to embracing modern technology to improve service, increase marketing speed, re-branding and staying relevant in the market. She concluded her presentation with other strategies to attract clients and retain them as adopting best practices to generate income. The board members applauded her, expressing their pleasure for her presentation. She gladly acknowledged them and left the board room.

Sitting in her office, she pondered on her presentation. She however believed that everything would work out in her favor. She was informed to wait for the announcement of the incumbent of the position in two days.

Sherly went home that day feeling a bit anxious. She did not make plans to go out or visit, she decided to stay at home. Tamara made dinner for her, but she did not eat much that evening.

Two days elapsed and she was summoned to the Managing Director' office. She honored the call and she found two board members sitting in the big office. The Managing Director handed her a letter in an envelope. He asked her to open it. She opened it slowly and read the contents. To her joy, excitement and happiness the letter stated that the position of Regional Manager was given to her and that she is to resume duty immediately. She nearly jumped up and down but held it together, aware she was still in the Managing Director's office but expressed her gratitude for the position. Colleagues surrounded her with congratulations and salutation. "Thank you", said the excited Sherly.

Sherly was happy and beyond words with the outcome and this new wonderful position bestowed upon her. Hard work, high self esteem, confidence and believing that she was capable, really paid off.

The End.

Author; Ms Charity Molowa