I work with a group of 24 or so people – which I have to say in my 30+ years of working in 4 different industries – is one of the most dedicated, hardest working group it’s EVER been my privilege to work with.  For instance – today from 1 to 4 was our corporate holiday party.  My group (corporate finance) unlike the rest of the divisions, were informed this morning at 10 am that they would be REQUIRED to return to work if they chose to attend and to make up the hours - or they could miss the party and work - leaving at their normal hour of 6 pm.  Now these are the same individuals who have over the course of the last year – worked 12 to 14 hours a day and weekends (again unlike the other divisions).  Our superior (unlike many bosses) works longer hours than we do – and has been more than receptive to comp-ing the crew over and above.  During the days that they are requested to stay over – the company buys them breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Often pays for their transport home or if necessary – their hotel room if they have to spend the night in the city.  Overtime is comp-ted at over time/time and a half.  That said – after a point its no longer about the money – it’s all about having a life.  While it helps that the rest of the group is working the same hours on one hand – it still produces pressure that since they are doing it –it is required for all and that it is ‘ok’, not to mention the natural resentment that we are the only ones doing it.

We work as a team – prima donnas are not tolerated..  Our boss is appreciative and has gone to bat against management for us.  As his representative when he is traveling - I've made a point of protecting my people and making sure they are well taken care of - to the point that now Finance who used to be the least desireable department to work for - now has people internally clamouring to transfer to.  I’ve nothing bad to say and a great deal of good to say our boss.  I ‘made’ my group go to the party today.  I took my boss’ name in vain and said that it was ok as long as they all came back and worked until 9 pm – which gives them 5 hours of overtime (which I KNOW they all need).  More than that they needed a break – time to eat, to laugh, to dance even (yes we were on the dance floor and Finance had the best dancer of them all- keener, neener) and I took pictures to prove it which in a day or two will be printed and posted on the Finance bulletin board for all to see.  I am beyond words proud of these people – honored to know them, to be part of their lives.  To see their work ethics, their  sacrifices, the sheer determination to produce a quality product – under budget and before deadline with ever shifting priorities – with humor and with class.  The certain knowledge that we will all be unemployed by Feb 28^th – only adds to the professionalism of these people – when so many others fluff off they are here long hours and week ends – taking pride in a situation that will be handed over to someone else.  They exemplify the definition of what an employee should be – determination, responsibility, class, the willingness to work until the job is finished – thru exhaustion and personal trials.  During the holiday party I was asked if as the executive assitant to the CFO of the North America Division I had anything to say -  I gave a standing ovation to the team members of my department – asking each of them to stand and be recognized – and was joined by not only our boss the CFO, but the president and the other corporate executives who were present for a ‘good time’.  I acknowledged each of them in a few words – presenting each of them with a $20.00 Amex gift card (out of my own pocket).  I know for many of them this year comes with mixed blessings – do they spend money or not – when it may be months that they have to live on savings.  I know that $20 is nothing and yet gestures mean more than we realize – and looking at Myrna with tears in her eyes and Yasouf who hugged me – I realize that this is indeed the spirit of the season which should last all year long. 

Blessed Yule to all of you – Thomas, Eugene, Henry, Donald, Yasouf, Florence, Ting, Kyle, Jimmy, Kevin, Myrna, Phillipe, Annie, Theresa, Ellenor, Julia, Julie, Lynn, Kevin, John, Soo-Chen, Yelena, Primjit, Berhane.