Free Conflict of Interest (Employee Relations Book 1) by Teresa Michaels Page A

female over the age of 40, working for a Caucasian male on a team with no other diversity. In addition, she has no idea she isn’t meeting your expectations and you have absolutely no documentation or proof to support your claims. Regardless of your intent, it raises flags.”
    “So what you’re saying is that we’ll never be able to fire her,” Brandon sneers.
    “No.” Gabriella addresses Brandon with composure and authority. “What I’m saying is that your actions reflect on the company. We should always make sure that we’re managing these situations carefully to support our employees and not expose the company to unnecessary risk. You need to meet with her and explain your expectations and confirm that she understands. Beyond that you need to provide her with support.”
    “What about a performance improvement plan?” Brandon attempts to negotiate. “Can I put her on one of those and open a backfill?”
    Gabriella crosses her arms over her chest. “PIP’s aren’t designed to push people out, they’re designed to help employees improve. To give them a chance. You should start by managing her more closely.” Gabriella takes two steps toward Brandon. “We’ve had this conversation at least three times now, Brandon. By the way, I checked the security log and she badges into the building every morning by 8AM. You usually come in closer to nine. Your claim that she’s routinely late isn’t accurate.”
    Brandon groans ignoring her data. “I’m going to lose a good candidate.”
    “Is that what this is about?” I interject. “You found a potential candidate so you thought you’d make room?”
    Brandon looks away. “Sandra would have supported this.”
    Sandra, my predecessor. The jury’s still out on why she left and I’ve done my best to ignore the rumors. She may have let this type of behavior slide, but I won’t stand for it.
    “Supported poor judgement? Perhaps that’s the reason she’s no longer here.”
    Gabriella’s mouth drops open, confirming my assumption.
    “What Lucas meant to say is that he’s your manager now and he doesn’t support this type of behavior.”
    Ignoring her attempt to make my comments politically correct, I refocus on Brandon.
    “Schedule time with me for later this week. I want you to come prepared with a plan of how you’re going to help this employee improve, if that’s even a true concern.”
    Brandon frowns looking slightly confused. “Yeah, sure.”
    “I’ll stay close to it,” I assure Gabriella once Brandon leaves my office.
    “You shouldn’t have said that about Sandra.”
    “Was I wrong?”
    “That’s not the point,” she scoffs. “It was unprofessional and that entire conversation could have been avoided.”
    I don’t answer.
    “I tried to get time with you to discuss this last week. I texted you that I needed to speak with you and then I emailed you the details of my conversation with Brandon. This was the employee situation I mentioned before Jack’s staff meeting.”
    “Texting is impersonal.”
    “Should I call next time?” she counters.
    I disregard the question and continue. “And I didn’t get the email.”
    “You say that a lot,” she replies.
    Groaning, I lower myself into my chair, close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. Women avoid rejection. Ignore her and she’ll go away. I sag in relief at the sound of my door closing. It’s short lived. The sound of footsteps closing in on me has my eyes snapping open and my heart racing.
    Gabriella rounds my desk with determination. “May I ask what you’re doing?”
    She pushes up her sleeves and smirks. “Blowing your mind. Are you ready?”
    My dick perks up. I swallow hard and sit straight up in my chair.
    Yes. Please.
    “This.” She gestures with both hands as if she’s a model from a game show, “Is a computer. This is a mouse. If you want to open your email, put your hand on the mouse, move it until the cursor is where you want it, and double-click on the