I'm not the first and I doubt if I'll be the last. In fact my immediate predecessor only lasted three weeks.

I should explain - for the last six weeks I've been team leader of a section who don't think they need leading anywhere.

This morning we've had our normal Tuesday team meeting. I thought it had finished but judging by the group huddled round the photocopier it hasn't.

The amount of whispering suggests that I'm probably the current item on the agenda. I decide to leave them to it. I can't face another confrontation, besides I could do with some fresh air to clear my head.

"How are things going?" A dark haired older man in reception spoke as I walked past. I turned; there was no one else about, so I reasoned he must be talking to me.

"That lot of dysfunctional misfits got you pulling your hair out yet?" I grimaced, “It’s been a trying week". "Let me guess, they're not prepared to change, insist it’s always been done another way", he wagged a finger, making a pretty good imitation of Martha.

I laughed, "they keep telling me it was never like this in Jock’s day".

"That surprises me. From my first day to almost my last, they told me it was never like that in Stuart’s day".

He held out his hand, "Jock Lewis," he added as an afterthought.

"“Faye Williams, pleased to meet you".

"If you've got time for lunch Faye, why don't I fill you in on some of the personalities. It might help".

I hesitated briefly but the fresh air could wait, I accepted his invitation. "If you want to know anything, ask Joan"” he said. "She's the self assumed mother of the department and best person to turn to in a crisis.

"She's not the five foot nothing streak of pure venom that she seems on first acquaintance. She knows everything about everyone but she'll happily share her information. The others look up to her.

"If you want to make any changes make sure Joan's on your side".

I warmed to this charming man who kept me laughing with office tales from days gone by. I was sorry when I checked my watch to discover I had to get back to the office for my next meeting.

"Thanks Jock", I said as we parted company. "I really feel much better, but I still don't understand why you left. You clearly loved the job and the others adored you".

"Ask Joan, she's always good for a gossip. She'll love you for it", Jock raised one hand and walked off.

It was Thursday by the time I had the chance to mention Jock.

Joan looked at me as if I had gone completely insane. "Jock didn't leave, he had a heart attack," she said, her face registering an expression that suggested she had been expecting something like this to happen all along.

"Tuesday was the first anniversary of his death".

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