<\/a><\/noindex><\/p>\nNervousness from the upcoming resolution of the risky career situation made itself known \u2013 Tatiana's hands trembled, and, according to the usual scenario, everything they contained loudly collapsed to the floor. Sergey rushed to help, almost bumping heads with Tatiana, and blushed a little too.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So... \u2013 while crouching, Sergey examined the resume. \u2013 Something familiar... What factory is this?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I worked there. \u2013 Tatiana said quietly, looking away. \u2013 I know this person. It's... How to put it...<\/p>\n
\u2014 Husband?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Lover?<\/p>\n
\u2014 What?! \u2013 Tatiana jumped up so abruptly that she stumbled from the blood rushing to her head. Or maybe it wasn't blood rushing into her neat, pretty head.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So who? \u2013 Sergey also stood up and looked into Tatiana's eyes.<\/p>\n
\u2014 You... \u2013 gasping for air and words, Tatiana stammered. \u2013 You decided to interrogate me...<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course not. I just want to understand your motivation. And help. If you don't want to, don't tell. I'm a grave, you know.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes. \u2013 Tatiana sat down on the chair, leaned both arms on the table, and held her head in her hands, tousling her hair. \u2013 Alright, Sergey. Although\u2026 In general\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let me guess \u2013 he means something to you. \u2013 Sergey sat down on the chair next to her. \u2013 And you really want this guy\u2026 Hold on, I didn\u2019t notice\u2026 Is it a guy?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes\u2026 What?! \u2013 sparks almost flew from Tatiana\u2019s eyes. \u2013 What are you hinting at?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hinting at nothing. \u2013 Sergey, just in case, leaned back a bit along with his chair, which made an unpleasant creaking sound. \u2013 Who knows, it could be a sibling or an aunt. What did you think?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Nothing. \u2013 Tatiana hissed angrily. \u2013 Are you going to help or not?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course. Just let the standard procedure go through. So that nobody suspects anything. Do you agree?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course! \u2013 Tatiana smiled uncertainly. \u2013 So, should I invite him?<\/p>\n
Sergey couldn\u2019t stop being amazed at how quickly this girl's mood changed. During their conversation \u2013 just a few minutes \u2013 she swung from a flicker of hope into a chasm of despair, from burning hatred to sincere sympathy, from hissing anger to uncontrollable, breath-taking joy. Whether she was a good actress, or her emotional lability (as it\u2019s called), or\u2026 No, it doesn\u2019t seem like she\u2019s showing, and she\u2019s devouring borscht in the kitchen, not strawberries with smoked bacon on the side.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Invite him. Where is he? Far? Will he be able to come today?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, he\u2026 \u2013 Tatiana blushed a little. \u2013 He\u2019s already here, sitting in the car in the parking lot.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright, hold on\u2026 \u2013 Sergey took a resume from the table, found the phone number, and dialed. \u2013 Hello! Evgeny? Good afternoon, my name is Sergey Ivanov, the development director at \u2018Cube\u2019. Tatiana, the HR director\u2026 Well, you know\u2026 In short, she gave me your resume, and I\u2019m willing to consider you\u2026 Not in the sense of looking at you through a microscope\u2026 Anyway, come in, stop sitting around in the car. Just ask the office manager how to find Sergey, I\u2019m the only one. The password at the checkpoint is \u2018Star Fleet\u2019. Yes, you don\u2019t need a passport, just say the password. That\u2019s it, I\u2019m waiting.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sergey, why did you call yourself? \u2013 Tatiana asked tensely.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Because I know you, Tatiana. Especially since you... well, you're interested in the outcome. If you start getting all emotional, oh my Zhenya, just behave and don't pay any attention to that fool... I promised you I'd hire him. Of course, if he\u2019s not a blatant idiot. The IT director should at least stand out from the rest in some way.<\/p>\n
\u2014 It would be better not to ask. \u2013 Tatiana replied with a weary smile. \u2013 As I understand it, I'm not allowed to participate?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, you're not allowed. Although, you\u2019ve probably already told him something, right?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I said there's nothing to tell because I don\u2019t know anything.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright. \u2013 Sergey raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. \u2013 That\u2019s it, Tatiana, goodbye. See you in a couple of hours.<\/p>\n
Tatiana left the office. Sergey, not wasting any time, quickly glanced over the resume again. Nothing suspicious\u2014just an ordinary, unnecessary IT director who didn\u2019t contribute much or create any real problems. Sergey had long wanted to replace this position with a cardboard dummy\u2014like they used to place painted traffic officers on the roads. Cheap, doesn\u2019t require upkeep, lasts for years, and people still get scared. It might even be more useful than having a live person in that role.<\/p>\n
Sergey's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. After inviting the person in, the very same Evgeny appeared\u2014fairly young, in a decent suit, with neatly styled hair (which immediately cost him points in Sergey's book), and, of course, with a friendly smile on his face. He must have taken some smiling course somewhere because it was painfully perfect\u2014just wide enough, without distorting his face, showing friendliness but not overly so, with dignity. Oh, these managers.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hello. \u2013 Sergey said, breaking into a smile\u2014not out of politeness, but simply because the kid was so smooth, pleasant, and stylish, like an iPhone.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Good morning. \u2013 Evgeny replied calmly, pointing to a chair. \u2013 May I?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, of course.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sergey, I appreciate you for... \u2013 Evgeny began.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Blah-blah-blah. \u2013 interrupted Sergey. \u2013 Evgeny, let's skip the niceties. I agreed to meet you for one reason \u2013 Tatiana recommended you. She is an old friend of mine, and I trust her opinion. Your resume is terrible. In the stream of the same terrible applications that come to HR's inbox every day, I wouldn't have noticed you. But now you are hired, on a one-day probation period. However, you will have to pass a test.<\/p>\n
\u2014 A test? \u2013 Evgeny was almost taken aback. \u2013 On knowledge?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I won't tell you what the test is about. You won't need to fill out paperwork, answer questions, etc. You will need to work as the IT director of the 'Cube' company for a couple of hours. Solve real tasks, show yourself from different angles. I am the only one who knows the criteria for passing the test, so you won't get any behavioral recommendations from anyone, not even from Tatiana. Just work as you can, and I'll be observing. Agreed?<\/p>\n
\u2014 And what kind of tasks? \u2013 Evgeny squinted suspiciously.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Various kinds. \u2013 Sergey repeated. \u2013 Standard IT director tasks that you have solved many times before. Let's go to your workstation.<\/p>\n
Sergey resolutely stood up and walked to the exit. Evgeny, after a brief hesitation, got up and followed. After walking a few meters down the corridor, Sergey entered an empty meeting room, looked around, and pointed to a chair in the middle of a long table.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Here is your workstation, take a seat. So, the rules are simple. You are the new IT director of the company. I'm going to announce to everyone that the miracle has happened, and now the problems related to information technologies will be solved again. Also, I'll indicate where you can be found. There is a chance that colleagues will come to you with tasks. After that, you'll figure it out yourself.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Is there a chance that no one will come? \u2013 Evgeny asked as he settled down at the table.<\/p>\n
\u2014 There is. \u2013 Sergey nodded. \u2013 But don\u2019t count on it too much. Well, goodbye for now.<\/p>\n
And Sergey quickly disappeared from the meeting room. Evgeny fiddled with his briefcase, deciding where to place it, eventually setting it on a neighboring chair. A few minutes later, the door opened, and an unfamiliar woman entered.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hello. \u2013 she said dryly. \u2013 My name is Valeria, the chief accountant. Are you the new head of the IT department?<\/p>\n
\u2014 IT director, to be precise. \u2013 Evgeny corrected for some reason. \u2013 Have a seat, Valeria, let's get to know each other!<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don\u2019t care to get acquainted with you. \u2013 Valeria spat, continuing to stand by the door.<\/p>\n
Evgeny was a bit taken aback and went silent. Valeria, unfortunately, was also silent, looking the IT director straight in the eye. Finally, when the pause began to drag on, Evgeny decided to try again.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Valeria\u2026 \u2014 he started. \u2013 How can I assist you? Considering that I\u2019ve been working in your company for just a few minutes.<\/p>\n
\u2014 You won\u2019t be able to help me even in a year. \u2013 the chief accountant continued to spew venom. \u2013 That fool who worked before you, Seryozha, our sun and moon, couldn\u2019t help us either. You\u2019re all idiots, all you can do is nod at the accountants and say that they\u2019re all incompetent and can\u2019t do basic operations.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny smiled. \u2013 Valeria, I understand that you have a negative attitude towards the IT department, shaped by your experiences with programmers. I assure you, I completely understand you. But it will be different with me, I know how to find common ground with business users of the highest rank.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Look at that\u2026 \u2014 Valeria stretched out. \u2013 Well, go ahead, find common ground with me.<\/p>\n
Valeria walked around the table and sat down opposite Evgeny.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Your program isn\u2019t working. \u2013 quoted Valeria, gathering several thousand accountants.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What exactly isn\u2019t working? And which program? \u2013 Evgeny\u2019s tone indicated a genuine desire to help.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Am I supposed to explain to you which program isn\u2019t working? \u2013 the chief accountant suddenly shouted. \u2013 I\u2019m an accountant, not a programmer! You\u2019re the programmer! You should know which program isn\u2019t working!<\/p>\n
\u2014 There\u2019s a theory that there are bugs in every program, even the simplest one. \u2013 Evgeny replied uncertainly. \u2013 You need to understand, Valeria, I just arrived. Naturally, I don\u2019t even know what software park is used in your company. How can I help with a program without even knowing its name?<\/p>\n
\u2014 So you won\u2019t help? \u2013 Valeria smiled maliciously.<\/p>\n
\u2014 No. Wait\u2026 I will help, of course!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Then help! Your program isn\u2019t working!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Which program exactly?<\/p>\n
\u2014 It begins\u2026 \u2014 Valeria leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. \u2013 All you can get from IT people are a bunch of questions. What program, where's the error, how do you reproduce it, why are you even doing this, what's in the accounting policy, write me the technical specifications, how's this, how's that\u2026 Ugh!<\/p>\n
Valeria abruptly stood up\u2014so abruptly that her chair fell over\u2014and decisively headed toward the door.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Valeria, wait! \u2013 Evgeny jumped up, rushed to the door, and leaned against it with his back, blocking the chief accountant's way.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let me through! \u2013 Valeria said, seething with anger.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I'll help you! Well\u2026 Damn\u2026 You probably have 1C. Yes, definitely 1C! If only I knew the version\u2026
\u2014 Just wait a moment\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny resisted for a few seconds, but finally gave in and stepped aside.<\/p>\n
Valeria, looking sternly ahead with her brows furrowed, exited the meeting room. Evgeny wearily closed the door, made his way back to his spot, and collapsed into his chair. His mood turned sour, resentment brewed within him, his hands trembled, and his eyes were slightly moistened, like a small child whose parents refused to listen and simply sent him to the corner. He stared blankly out the window, pondering whether to escape.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hello there. \u2013 came a voice from behind. \u2013 Is it okay?<\/p>\n
Evgeny jumped in surprise, then turned around and saw a young, incredibly attractive girl of about twenty-five. She was already inside the meeting room, slowly closing the door behind her. A brunette, in a snow-white blouse with small buttons, some of which, in the d\u00e9colletage area, were probably meant to be fastened\u2014at least in the office. The look was wonderfully complemented by a fitted black knee-length skirt and elegant glasses in thick black frames.<\/p>\n
The stranger, without waiting for an invitation, walked past Evgeny, enveloping him in a light whiff of unknown perfume, and sat down next to him. She was so close that the IT director could see his reflection in her lenses. The girl slowly turned to Evgeny, lightly touching his leg with her knees, and smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Shall we introduce ourselves? \u2013 she asked. \u2013 My name is Zhenya. And yours?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Uh\u2026 \u2014 the IT director stammered. \u2013 It's\u2026 Evgeny.<\/p>\n
-- What a coincidence...<\/p>\n
The girl's voice sounded unreal, as if it resonated in Eugene's mind, like music from high-quality in-ear headphones. Confident yet genuinely confused, with a hint of healthy boldness, and at the same time \u2013 with considerable shyness, unfamiliar but seemingly heard for many years in a row. Eugene felt unable to move, as if afraid to shatter this unusual, serendipitous but beautiful moment in his life. He didn't even shift his leg, continuing to feel the light and pleasant pressure of the girl's knees.<\/p>\n
-- Listen, Zhenya... -- the girl continued. -- I'm so glad that you, of all people, will be working with us. I think we will make it work. I can feel it.<\/p>\n
As she said this, the girl lifted her head, revealing an incredibly beautiful neck, as it seemed to Eugene. Without obeying his mind, his gaze slid lower, across the slightly stretched firm skin...<\/p>\n
-- What the hell?<\/p>\n
Caught off guard, Eugene jumped, nearly toppling the heavy conference table. Turning around, he saw a massive guy, at least two meters tall and probably weighing a hundred and twenty kilos. The giant's face was adorned with two scars and a slightly crooked nose \u2013 a boxer, thought Eugene.<\/p>\n
-- What the hell are you doing, you idiot? \u2013 the giant threatened, looming over Eugene, looking him straight in the eye.<\/p>\n
-- Anton, don't. \u2013 Losing none of her composure, Zhenya slowly got up from her chair. -- We're just getting to know each other. This is the new IT director.<\/p>\n
-- He'll be old soon. \u2013 Anton continued. \u2013 He'll retire right away. Are you out of your mind, you brat? Hitting on my girl on your first day of work. Did you manage to save yourself?<\/p>\n
-- I... I... \u2013 Eugene began.<\/p>\n
-- Head of a buoy! \u2013 the giant roared. \u2013 If I see you again, I'll tear you apart, got it?<\/p>\n
-- Yes, of course. No, you misunderstood... I just... She...<\/p>\n
-- What? Don't tell me she's to blame!<\/p>\n
-- No, of course not... <\/p>\n
-- Then you're to blame? \u2013 Anton suddenly smiled.<\/p>\n
-- No, wait...<\/p>\n
-- What are you wriggling around for, like a worm under UV light? You opened your mouth, so answer!<\/p>\n
-- Yes, you know, it\u2019s probably my fault. \u2013 Composure started to return to Eugene. \u2013 Anton, I sincerely apologize for the situation I created, which allows for double interpretation.<\/p>\n
\u2014 That's right. \u2013 Anton nodded. \u2013 Zhenya, let\u2019s go. You\u2019ll get your turn too, mop... dear.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Dear mop? \u2013 Zhenya smiled. \u2013 You are a master of compliments, Mr. Zubrak.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, damn. \u2013 Anton puffed up proudly. \u2013 Alright, let\u2019s move.<\/p>\n
And the couple, playfully nudging each other and giggling, left the meeting room.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Damn it all, what a mess. \u2013 Evgeny swore loudly, adding several unprintable nouns and adjectives.<\/p>\n
He returned to his place, nervously adjusted his shirt, took off his jacket \u2013 after the heated conversation, he had broken into quite a sweat. Without thinking much, he opened the window, letting in the cold December air, stood for a while in the draft by the windowsill until he started to freeze.<\/p>\n
Many thoughts flashed through his mind, but very quickly this fragmented stream transformed into a single, all-consuming idea \u2013 to run away. To get out of here without a backward glance. He hadn\u2019t signed any documents, made no promises, nobody would remember, it wouldn\u2019t be mentioned in his resume, the recommendations wouldn\u2019t be ruined. Nonsense, idiocy, a mess, a complete disaster. Tatiana didn\u2019t describe the company \u2018Cube\u2019 like this. But maybe it\u2019s not worth judging by the first day, or even the first hour? It is worth it! The first day shows what the company is really like! You can\u2019t put up with this; it will only get worse.<\/p>\n
And that one, Sergey, is probably sitting and laughing. He escaped from that position, couldn\u2019t handle the load, now he\u2019s sitting in a big beautiful office pretending to engage in development. Evgeny knew who the most useless person in any company is. The one whose job title includes the word \u2018development\u2019. Or \u2018quality\u2019. And also \u2013 \u2018process\u2019.<\/p>\n
I need to run. Yes, immediately. Evgeny hurriedly put on his jacket, grabbed his briefcase, pushed the chairs back into place, and headed to close the window.<\/p>\n
\u2014 May I?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Damn, why is this door so silent? \u2013 Evgeny thought. Thank God, this time he didn\u2019t jump in surprise, just flinched slightly.<\/p>\n
He turned around \u2013 a short young guy stood in the doorway, in jeans and a casually adjusted checkered shirt. His face was thickly covered in black stubble, and his squinting eyes were fixed intently on Evgeny. Probably a type that girls like while Canadian lumberjacks are in fashion.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hello. \u2013 The guy boldly approached and extended his hand for a greeting. \u2013 Stas, programmer. And you are my new boss. Evgeny, right?<\/p>\n
\u2014 That\u2019s right. \u2013 Evgeny nodded. \u2013 Just, Stanislav\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Just Stas. \u2013 The guy smiled incredibly warmly.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright, just Stas. I'm not sure I will be your boss. I haven't made a decision yet on whether to work at your company or not.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let\u2019s discuss it. \u2013 Stas said, quickly sitting down on one of the chairs.<\/p>\n
After some hesitation, Evgeny returned to his seat \u2013 right across from Stas. Probably, he could handle one more conversation since he hadn\u2019t managed to sneak away unnoticed.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I've heard a lot about you, Evgeny. \u2013 Stas was following the new boss's gaze very closely. \u2013 To be honest, I\u2019m really glad you joined us. Even more than I was glad when Sergey left.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Glad? \u2013 Evgeny frowned skeptically. \u2013 Why?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Why?! \u2013 Stas exclaimed, as if the new boss already knew the story of the glorious IT department of the company \"Kub\". \u2013 Because he\u2019s an idiot! Didn't you notice?<\/p>\n
\u2014 To be honest\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny began, but hesitated. \u2013 I haven't formed an opinion yet.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Oh come on! And this idiotic quest you\u2019re going through, whose idea do you think it is?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sergey, he said it himself. \u2013 Evgeny was trying hard to understand where the excessively active programmer was leading.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The whole point is that no one cares about the results of this quest! \u2013 Stas, pleased with himself, leaned back in his chair. \u2013 I just came from HR \u2013 the order was given to hire you.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Wait\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny shook his head in confusion. \u2013 Then why all this?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Because he\u2019s a fool! So insane that sometimes it\u2019s easier to go along with him than to argue and prove your point. Even the owner finds it easier.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hold on, Stas\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 You can use 'you'.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Wait, Stas\u2026 If no one cares, and Sergey, according to you, well\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 A camp fool.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Never mind\u2026 Why is he still around?<\/p>\n
\u2014 O-o-o-oh\u2026 \u2014 Stas stretched out, pleased. \u2013 That\u2019s a very good question! Ninety-nine percent of people in the company will gladly discuss it if you ask.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, still.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don\u2019t know. \u2014 Stas shrugged and smiled so genuinely that Evgeny couldn\u2019t help but smile back. \u2014 A hell of a long time ago, we worked on a couple of cool projects together. He became the IT director because of that. And that\u2019s it, that\u2019s when he lost it. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s seeing a therapist. If he isn\u2019t, it\u2019s about time he started.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And what exactly started? \u2014 Evgeny also leaned back in his chair and relaxed a bit.<\/p>\n
\u2014 All sorts of nonsense. After those projects, he hasn\u2019t really done anything else. He keeps complaining that everyone around him is an idiot, while he\u2019s the only one \u2013 D\u2019Artagnan. He\u2019s read a bunch of smart books \u2014 deliberately choosing those that nobody in their right mind would ever touch. And then he shows off, acting like he knows a ton of methodologies and can improve any process, even boost the company\u2019s profits.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And in reality? Can he?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Who ever checked? He only talks about what he can do, while others cannot. And somehow, that\u2019s where the conversation ends. Who in their right mind would let him into something serious? So he just sits, or rather sat, in the IT department and screamed from there that everything is wrong and not quite right.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Wait, Stas\u2026 Why did he become the development director then?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Have you heard of the Peter Principle?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes. Wait\u2026 Is that about how work occupies all the time allocated for it?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, that\u2019s Parkinson\u2019s Law. The Peter Principle, I don\u2019t remember word for word, but it\u2019s something like this: a person rises in the career ladder until they reach their level of incompetence.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yeah, I\u2019ve heard something like that\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny nodded. \u2014 And how does that relate to Sergei?<\/p>\n
\u2014 How? \u2014 Stas was genuinely surprised. \u2014 They just shoved him into this position so he would fail, and then they could throw him out easily! If he managed to handle the work of an IT director decently, because he was sitting on my shoulders, now he\u2019s as exposed as can be. He has no subordinates, no one listens to him, everyone doesn\u2019t care about the development projects. He\u2019s almost on the street. He\u2019s no development director \u2014 he\u2019s a total zero. He has reached his level of incompetence. Or rather, he was helped to get there. And his days are numbered.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hmm\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny frowned, but after a couple of seconds suddenly smiled. \u2014 Then it\u2019s clear. Thank you, Stas!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Always a pleasure! Tomorrow, I hope we can talk properly and in detail? Things are a complete mess here. That jerk just left and abandoned everything, leaving it all on me. He doesn't even say hello now, the scoundrel.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, of course, tomorrow, Stas. \u2013 Evgeny stood up and extended his hand. \u2013 I'm not like that; I'm a person of action. I can even program. We'll make it work!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course! \u2013 Stas joyfully shook the boss's hand and confidently strode towards the door.
Suddenly, the phone rang. The number seemed familiar, but it wasn't in his contacts. Evgeny picked up the receiver \u2013 it was Sergey.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Evgeny, that's all for now. \u2013 Sergey said. \u2013 In about five minutes, come to my office. Do you know how to get there?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, it's nearby, I think.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Good, I\u2019ll be waiting!<\/p>\n
Evgeny hurriedly grabbed his briefcase, adjusted his jacket, smoothed his hair with his hand, and, with nothing else to do, started pacing back and forth in the meeting room. The minutes dragged on, but he didn\u2019t want to kill time with his smartphone so as not to disrupt his focus.<\/p>\n
Finally, five minutes passed, and Evgeny left the meeting room. Approaching Sergey\u2019s door, he knocked confidently and, upon hearing an invitation, stepped inside.<\/p>\n
Inside, besides the somewhat foolish development director, was Tatyana. Evgeny greeted her with a friendly smile, but for some inexplicable reason, he received only a frown and a sharp look in return.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright, Tatyana, it's time for you to go. \u2013 Sergey pointed to the door. \u2013 We'll talk without you from here.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sergey, do you understand me? \u2013 Tatyana asked sternly.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, don\u2019t worry. If you don\u2019t want to, then don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Okay. \u2013 It was clear that Tatyana was doubtful about Sergey\u2019s response, but Evgeny\u2019s presence probably prevented her from speaking openly.<\/p>\n
Tatyana slowly left the office. Evgeny, without waiting for an invitation, plopped down in a chair, sprawled out comfortably, unfastened his jacket, and stared intently, without embarrassment, directly into Sergey\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So, what\u2019s the result? \u2013 Evgeny asked.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Terrible. \u2013 Sergey smiled. \u2013 Actually, just like always.<\/p>\n
\u2014 In what sense? \u2013 the candidate suddenly grew serious and sat up straight. \u2013 What\u2019s so terrible?<\/p>\n
\u2014 You did terribly on the test. Even worse than the other candidates. \u2013 Sergey continued to smile. \u2014 However, regardless of the results, you will be hired by our company.<\/p>\n
For several seconds, Evgeny looked intently at Sergey, trying to understand the reason for his smile. If the test means nothing, and Sergey knows this, then why is he blooming like a May rose? Although\u2026 If he really is, you know, out there, then the smile may not be related to what\u2019s happening around.
\u2014 Actually, that's all. \u2013 Sergey summarized. \u2013 Now you\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Wait\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny interrupted him, raising his palm. \u2013 Could you explain the meaning of your test?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hm, I thought you wouldn\u2019t ask\u2026 Alright. What do you think was happening in the meeting room while you were sitting there?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, I understood that people were coming to me with tasks, with pressing problems that no one was\u2026 Well, until the IT director arrived, no one was solving.<\/p>\n
\u2014 No. People were coming to you with games.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What games?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Corporate games.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don\u2019t get it\u2026 <\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, you see\u2026 There\u2019s work, and then there\u2019s play. The higher the position, the more games you have. The IT director often has to deal with a lot of games because that position requires real interaction with almost all departments. So I wanted to see how you would handle these games.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And how did it go?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Not well. \u2013 Sergey shrugged. \u2014 You started playing them.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What do you mean?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, then Valeria, our CFO, came to you and played her favorite game \u2013 'your program doesn\u2019t work'. You understand the absurdity of that statement, right?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course. \u2013 Evgeny nodded without hesitation.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And she knows it. And everyone knows it. The game has three possible outcomes. The first \u2013 you play, and you lose. The CFO convinces everyone that you\u2019re a loser, and anything can be pinned on you, and you\u2019ll swallow it and perform. That happens very often. The second outcome \u2013 you play, and you win. You convince everyone that the CFO is an unreasonable fool, and you\u2019re the hero because you exposed her.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And the third outcome? \u2013 Evgeny asked as Sergey suddenly fell silent.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The third outcome is not to play the game. The best scenario, especially for the IT director.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Is it like not playing the game? \u2013 Evgeny was puzzled. \u2013 How does that look in practice?<\/p>\n
\u2014 In practice, it means a quick retreat or diversion. Just like in aikido. You step aside, and the attacker just flies off in the direction where the energy was directed. Or it's a conscious direction of the game past yourself. And the last option is to abruptly cut off the game. You could have done that with Stas, for example.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What do you mean? \u2013 Evgeny widened his eyes in shock.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, he came to you to explain what an idiot I am?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, I know. \u2013 Sergei waved his hand. \u2013 Not in detail, but I know. I invented all the roles, words, and scenarios for the game myself. You didn\u2019t think I needed a shrink, did you?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, of course not\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny broke out in a sweat. \u2013 And, anyway, that Stas\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Be careful! \u2013 Sergei interrupted him. \u2013 First of all, you have to work with him. Second, you\u2019re trying to play with me right now. I wouldn\u2019t advise it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, of course not\u2026 I just wanted to say that he's an interesting guy.<\/p>\n
\u2014 We all are interesting here. \u2013 Sergei shrugged. \u2013 I think for you\u2026<\/p>\n
Suddenly, Sergei's smartphone, which was lying on the table, vibrated. Apologizing, he quickly grabbed the device, read the message, and suddenly smiled broadly. After fiddling with the smartphone a bit longer, he placed it back on the table.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So\u2026 \u2014 Sergei continued. \u2013 Listen to my advice. I started from the very bottom. I came here as a programmer, then became the IT director, and now I\u2019m the deputy general manager for development. The third person in the company. You know what the secret of my success is?<\/p>\n
\u2014 You don\u2019t play games?<\/p>\n
\u2014 That\u2019s more of a necessary condition for success. There's a more precise formulation \u2013 I don\u2019t play others' games; I start my own. My game is much better, especially if you play it alone.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So how does that\u2026 Alone\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Just like this. You do what no one else dares to do. You implement development projects that no one has time for. You read business literature while others read nonsense on the internet. Even, damn it, you ask for a raise while others are shy about it. Have you heard about this technique \u2013 career rush?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, honestly\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, read about it when you have time. Just don\u2019t apply it here \u2013 everyone knows about it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Okay.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So, when you initiate a game where only you play, you never lose. You might just not win, and that's not scary. This is the whole secret.<\/p>\n
Evgeny was silent, thinking intensely about something. Sergey, with nothing to do, reached for his smartphone, when suddenly he seemed to remember something.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, Evgeny\u2026 \u2014 he began. \u2013 There\u2019s some news, I don\u2019t know how you will take it. I just received a message that Tatiana\u2026 In short, she will be fired soon.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Fired? \u2013 Evgeny\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, just like that. \u2013 Sergey shrugged. \u2013 She\u2019s probably not coping, I don\u2019t know\u2026 I\u2019m just saying, I was warned not to start any new projects with her. And given the circumstances, I decided to let you know. Perhaps this will affect your decision.<\/p>\n
Evgeny was silent. His gaze quickly darted around the office, his expression was extremely tense and focused, when suddenly\u2026 He smiled.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What? \u2013 Sergey asked, squinting. \u2013 Will it affect it, after all?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes. \u2013 The tension in Evgeny seemed to disappear in an instant. \u2013 I would gladly work at your company.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So this means\u2026 \u2014 Sergey frowned. \u2013 As I understand it, you\u2026 know her\u2026 Even personally.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So what? \u2013 Evgeny shrugged. \u2013 You know, Sergey\u2026 I\u2019m even glad it turned out this way.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Why?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well\u2026 I don\u2019t know how to say this\u2026 Tatiana, she, in general\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 What?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well\u2026 Let\u2019s just say\u2026 I don\u2019t have the same feelings for her as she has for me.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Does she know about this?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Of course not, are you kidding?<\/p>\n
\u2014 So what do you mean \"of course not\"? She likes you, but you don\u2019t like her, yet you tell her you feel the same?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, it\u2019s more complicated than that\u2026 I\u2026 How can I say this\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright, I understand. \u2013 Sergey interrupted the new colleague's torment. \u2013 It\u2019s very personal, and between us, there\u2019s not enough trust to discuss it. I respect your right and don\u2019t ask for anything.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Thank you. \u2013 Evgeny breathed a sigh of relief. \u2013 Honestly, I\u2019m so tired of your\u2026 I mean, the games you\u2019ve set up\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, because you played them. \u2013 Sergey stood up, his demeanor suggesting it was time for Evgeny to go. \u2013 If you hadn\u2019t played, you would be as fresh as a cucumber. Alright, Evgeny\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, yes\u2026 \u2014 Evgeny quickly jumped up, grabbed his briefcase, and extended his hand to Sergey.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Take a break from the games, if you can. \u2013 Sergey said with a strange smile. \u2013 But remember, the games never really end. At any moment, it\u2019s important to understand whether you\u2019re in a game or not, and whose game it is. Alright?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, of course. \u2013 Evgeny nodded. \u2013 See you tomorrow?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, see you tomorrow. If anything changes, I\u2019ll call.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What do you mean? \u2013 The smile vanished from Evgeny\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Standard phrase, do not pay attention. <\/p>\n
\u2014 Ah, okay!<\/p>\n
Evgeny left the room, and Sergey returned to the table. He picked up his smartphone and held it to his ear.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Tatyana, are you there? Ah, alright\u2026 Yes\u2026 Don't cry, damn it\u2026 I told you, and you didn't believe me\u2026 No, I won't come, I\u2019m afraid of female tears\u2026 Ah, I don\u2019t know\u2026 What do you think, should I take it?.. No, I wouldn\u2019t take it, it\u2019s too dumb and simple, only for you\u2026 Ah, well, you decide\u2026 For sure?.. Okay then. Are you going to call yourself?.. I can, of course. Just not now, but in a couple of hours. I\u2019ll say that the general refused\u2026. Well, pull yourself together, we have work to do.<\/p>\n
Sergey carelessly threw his smartphone on the table, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and quietly started to sing:<\/p>\n
Hey! I\u2019m a villain to them,
Finishing the song, he smiled to himself, jumped out of the chair, and strode energetically into the corridor.<\/p>\n
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