Personnel Matters

[alt_selwyn]

After many late nights, I have finally reviewed the application materials of all those who expressed interest in various open or soon-to-be-opened positions in the departments I oversee. This whole business has been exhausting; the good news is that many excellent individuals will have new opportunities as they move up into positions of more responsibility.

Lucius, I do apologise: while I found your assessments invaluable and relied on your recommendations in most instances, there were a few I couldn't accept. In particular, the young lady you endorsed so highly simply did not have the qualifications for the job. I certainly understand why she is eager for a change and I'm sure we'll be able to find her a position somewhere in my division if she's interested in Protectorate Affairs, but not at the Department Director level. I expect there will be quite a few openings in the Division of Education, some with significant responsibility -- do her interests lie in that direction at all?

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Department .... Dominic, the misunderstanding is mine. I had no idea she had applied for that high a post.

I did advise her to sit tight, that there were certain to be changes in a short matter of time, but I'm sure you could tell that she is ambitious. (One can only imagine how ambitious!) I shouldn't wonder if she considers Education a slow track.

I shall be back in the Ministry on Monday to sit in on the general meeting. I'm sure I shall have a chance to speak with her then and ... explain to her the limitations of my mentoring. Believe me, I shall also ascertain her particular thoughts on whether she ought not to stay put a while longer (as after all, her current position certainly provides solid training for any future advancement she may wish to pursue), or whether there are other options she considers viable.

I do thank you for your attention to her application, however.

[alt_selwyn]

Ambition is certainly to be encouraged, of course. If she's not interested in Education I'm sure we can find something for her. Naturally if she wishes to avoid working directly with her former superior that may complicate things. I believe the former supervisor is expected to continue on at the Ministry, just at a somewhat reduced level... her current position with a new superior might be preferred.

[alt_lucius]

You have hexed the mark, I think, for I could not convince her that the changes to leadership in her department would naturally result in a relief from the ... challenges presented on a daily basis.

But perhaps she will see the advantages of providing her excellent skills to a more receptive audience. (And I really cannot say enough that she is exceptional in various arenas, but I do agree that she is not strictly ready for so large an upgrade. I do not believe I must tell you that I am not one who keeps useless people about, nor takes their part to elevate them beyond their capacities.)

[alt_selwyn]

On occasion one simply wants a change, and there are certainly abundant opportunities at present.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh?

Don't tease us, Dominic. Which young lady did my husband recommend to you? I'd like to know who has abused his goodwill to trouble you with frivolous bids for work.

[alt_selwyn]

It wasn't frivolous, merely an overlarge step considering her previous experience. I'm afraid I can't be specific about names in so public a forum until the announcements are made.

[alt_lucius]

'Abuse' is rather an over-statement, my dear. 'Squander' might be better.

And as the young lady in question undoubtedly will wish to pursue her career in peace, I am sure she appreciates Dominic's tact in maintaining her confidentiality.