Let's Meet for Coffee

The Coach is already settled when Michael arrives.

She ordered black coffee today. No cream. No sugar. She has a feeling this conversation won't need any either.

Michael moves like someone who has places to be. Sets his coffee down with the kind of certainty that comes from years of being right. He's not here because he's doubting himself. He's here because he values the Coach's perspective. There's a difference.

Michael: I think I've found my person. The right one for this role. Gets things done. Doesn't make excuses. Delivers.

The Coach: Tell me about them.

Michael: Sharp. Driven. Results every time. I've worked with them before. I know what they're capable of. Honestly the team needs someone like this. Light a fire, you know? Raise the bar.

The Coach: How does the team feel about them?

. . .

Michael: Strong personality. Not everyone's cup of tea. Some people aren't comfortable being pushed.

The Coach: Is that what the team says? That they're being pushed?

Michael: They say... look, some people don't like being held accountable. That's not a reason not to promote someone.

The Coach: What do they say, Michael?

. . .

Michael: That they're hard to work with. That they don't always treat people well.

The Coach: Hard to work with. Don't treat people well.

Michael: They get results.

The Coach: I know. You said that.

☕

The Coach: You told me something else earlier too. You said you've always believed that how you lead matters as much as what you deliver. That respect isn't something you earn after you perform... it's how you perform.

Michael: Those were my words.

The Coach: So I want to ask you something. Sit with it before you answer.

The Coach: When you make this promotion... what will it say about you?

The Coach: Not about them. Not about the team.

The Coach: Is that the leader you've told everyone you are?

☕

A long silence.

Michael: Same time next week?

The Coach: You tell me.

☕

This Episode Features Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery — Franklin Square, NY

Some places are built to serve food. This one was built to serve people. Franklin & Phoebe is family-owned, rooted in a community they've shown up for year after year. The space is modern and warm all at once, the kind of place that feels like home the moment you walk in. You can feel the care in every beautiful detail. The hospitality is genuine because the people behind it are.

© Anshu Prabha · LetsMeetForCoffee · linkedin.com/in/anshu-prabha07