Halloween greetings, friends! I have a special treat for you. You’ll get double your pleasure in this collaboration from The Buzz on HR and CostofWork. Part 1 is found below — and at the end you’ll find the link to Part 2.

So without further delay, please enjoy and do be careful…. {{imagine the creepy Vincent Price laugh here}}

At first sight, Mr. Pete was ghoulishly frightening man. He was a massive man, monsterly formidable and intimidating. His silvery grey hair was swept to the back, like the little keeper from Tales from the Crypt, the buttons on his polyester print shirts screamed for relief. He was meaner than a rattle snake, more frightening than Jason, Freddy Krueger and Judge Judy combined. He had these ice-cold eyes, kinda blue-ish gray; and a booming voice. He had long finger nails for a man, but kept quite well oddly enough.

He owned a little dimly lit restaurant off to side of the road. He ruled his staff with an iron hand. I can recall one of his servers was having a bad day, he made it worse. Seems she made an error while serving a couple and Mr. Pete was not too happy.  He followed her to kitchen area and with fire in his eyes and bass in voice he yelled,  “You wonna serve like that? You go down the road to Denny’s!” Well! Poor girl ran away in tears, headed to Denny’s I suppose.

See, I worked for Mr. Pete. I was the head dishwasher! Or maybe just a dishwasher.

I remember when I had to tell Mr. Pete that I was going to college. I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I kept thinking about that poor server he embarrassed.

Mr. Pete was in his office crunching numbers. The closer I got to the door, the faster my heart raced. I tapped on the door, which was partially opened; he looked up, as if to say “Who the hell’s bothering me and why?”

His icy eyes felt like they were cutting through my flesh. My palms were cold and clammy. Mr. Pete barks “What is it Chris?”

I took a big gulp, and delivered the news. Mr. Pete’s cold stare turned to amazement. He looked hurt and sad. His face softened and he said “Well Chris, are you sure? You’ve been one my best employees.” He almost looked like he wanted to cry, I was amazed. Who knew big ole Mr. Pete was no ghoul at all, actually he was more like Ice Cube in “Are We There Yet?” a big ole softy.

 

This post was created by Chris Fields, HR professional, consultant, social media guru and blogger at CostofWork.

Now keep reading if you dare — and check out part 2 “HR Goblins” … http://wp.me/p1EP1K-b8