In an almost apologetic tone, VP told us that he was made aware that we all received sh*tty reviews as punishment for going over Manager’s head last fall. (I guess it goes to show that you should never bite the hand that feeds you.)It's funny but none of us had ever made that obvious connection. Now it all makes sense... I’m sure none of us would’ve received these crappy reviews if VP hadn’t been placed in a new department, leaving us vulnerable to the vindictive whims of Manager. Another piece of the puzzle falls into place.

Just thinking about what a little jerk Manager is, really brings out the worst in me. I can feel my teeth clench and my face burn as I imagine how great it would feel to give him a good hard smack upside the head. But I can’t let these poisonous vibes get the better of me...

Anyhow, we told VP that we had been waiting for Manager to return to LA so we could have a chance to meet with the CEO. I muttered, “We just knew we’d never be able to get him alone since Manager is always holding his hand.” VP surprised us with a giggle. "He's just such a yes man," I added.

“Oh, I KNOW!” VP groaned. “He is the kind of guy who likes to feel important. So he attaches himself to people at the top, meanwhile making those who work for him feel insignificant and unvalued."

VP started to open up, "The only reason he has the position he does is purely political. The old CEO had it in her mandate to give him a position of authority, even though he was not deserving of it. If it had been up to me, I never would’ve hired him, but my hands were tied. Some people can learn to manage, but he will never learn. He shouldn’t be in this position.”

We all found VP’s frankness very surprising, but really, really nice.

VP added, "You should tell CEO that you are all ready to quit if this doesn't get resolved... I know it sounds like a scary thing to say, but he needs to hear it."

VP's bold suggestion surprised us even more than his frankness. Like I said in Part One, VP is a very PC kind of guy. He is always careful with his words and never wants to mix his personal feelings with office politics. Given his position within the company, we've always respected his decision to keep his opinions mum.

VP asked what time we were going to talk with the CEO. When he learned that we couldn’t get a meeting with him, he pulled rank and was immediately on the phone to CEO’s assistant. He had her rearrange CEO's schedule for the afternoon so he could attend a "very important meeting."

VP hung up the phone, “Your meeting is at 1:00.” My co-worker looked at her watch, it was 12:35.

“12:35?” VP asked. He got up from our table, “I’m going to see what’s the hold up with my lunch…”

As VP walked away, the three of us smiled widely at one another. "VP Rocks!!"

I put pen back to paper and began jotting out our list of issues we wanted to discuss, with specific examples beneath each.

Okay, and now I have to go out for the rest of the afternoon... so I'll have to wrap this up next time.