Project presentations were scheduled for 10 a.m. Paul and the other managers sat around the table, some confident or faking it, some nervous. No one spoke of anything but the weather. Those who apparently hadn’t met their project goals were wiggling slightly in their seats. Others were beginning to sweat. A recognizably corporate odor began to circulate.

    VP Al Williams walked in, late as was his privilege but without his usual booming smi...