Page 178 - James Caan - The Real Deal

The Real Deal

‘I don’t know about eight, James. Can I just start with one?’
These chats were known in the office as ‘Come to Jesus’
meetings, and everyone knew when they were taking place.
‘How are you finding it on the phones?’
‘To be honest, it’s tough; I’m just not getting through to people.’
‘I tell you what; give me the people you were going to call this
afternoon. I’ll make the calls and you listen in. Do you think that
would help?’
‘If you would do that for me, James, that would be fantastic.’
Sometimes, even with help, the odd person still struggled and
they’d have to have another Come to Jesus meeting.
‘You still seem to be struggling, and I can tell from your body
language that you’re not enjoying yourself.’
‘It’s difficult sitting here seeing other people make placements
while I’m getting so many rejections.’
‘I know it’s tough. If there’s anything I can do to help, just say.’
‘Thanks. I will.’
‘You know, I don’t like seeing you like this. You might just have
to come to the conclusion that this isn’t the right job for you. It’s
not for everyone. Maybe you should give it another couple of
months, and if you still feel this way, maybe you should think
again?’
And do you know what? After that conversation, 80 per cent of
the strugglers resigned within two months. There was no disciplin-
ary procedure, no dispute, just a recognition from all parties that
it hadn’t worked out. The other 20 per cent started to look for
something else because they just couldn’t survive on their basic
pay. And, of course, there is no better place to find a job than at
a recruitment agency, and we would actually place them ourselves,
and earn a nice fee in the process!
It was about this time that my mum and dad came over for a
visit. They absolutely doted on Jemma and Hanah, though my dad
thought it was a shame we hadn’t had a boy. Much as I loved

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