Power Play

Being in charge of an office has always been my most cherished dream, for as long as I can remember. Not necessarily being in charge of the people in an office, mind you. More managerial types can keep that. No, what I’ve dreamt of is being in charge of the office itself – having ultimate power over its layout and design.

Okay, so it’s a bit of an odd thing to aspire to; I’ll pay that. The point is, I’ve finally unlocked it, which means I officially couldn’t care less what people think. I’ve just been assigned the project of coordinating an office space overhaul for the publishing company I work for, and I couldn’t be happier. All I need to do is figure out how to get the upper hand on those pesky office designers. Melbourne Classics is depending on me to deliver, and I can’t let anyone stand in the way of that – even if they are the so-called professionals.

I mean, they’ve told me that my vision of a golden spiral staircase in the lobby may be difficult to achieve within the allocated budget, but I am determined to push it through. My vision cuts to the core of what this company is all about, and I won’t accept that it’s not doable. I simply won’t take no for an answer.

The designers haven’t come out and said that it’s not doable, at least not in so many words. I suppose they’re being diplomatic because they want our business, but I know they’re working to steer me towards more conventional office fitout solutions. Melbourne is not a conventional city, and Melbourne Classics is not a conventional publishing house, so why would we settle for the ordinary? It’s not happening – not under my watch.

I get the feeling that some people around here think I’m drunk on power, and maybe they’re right. But when an opportunity arises to reach out and grasp your wildest hopes and wishes, and hold them in your hands, you don’t hold back.