Piper checked her ringing phone and saw her roommates picture. "Hey Pol. How are you?"
"I'm great P. Me and the boyfriend had a great weekend. Dinner, dancing, sex, even cuddling. It was amazing. I didn't even know Pete was capable of being sweet and thoughtful. Qualities I'm more than happy to find out about!"
"That sounds great Pol. About time you found someone to treat you right."
"Thanks. So tell me all about your last few days. Especially any attractive trainees."
Laughing at her bff, "Yeah Pol, should've known straight where you mind would go." A quick pause as Piper recalls the last few days. "Thus far I've avoided fights with Carol. Got some quality time with dad and Cal. And attended training sessions today."
"You have my attention, keep going." Piper can imagine the impatient look on her friend's face as she hears this.
"I watched three different courses from observation rooms with audio/video plus tinted window access to get another view. Each course tests different types of skills, often with two somewhat opposing skills needing to be balanced to handle the situation. I took so many notes of details as well as my own thoughts in the moment."
"Interesting. So any standouts or are you gonna watch each course once then start narrowing?"
"There are a few trainees that seemed to stand out more than others. But I do plan on doing exactly what you just mentioned. My brain is swimming in so many thoughts right now that it would be pointless to do anything right now, except transferring my notes into a spreadsheet. That way I'll be comparing apples to apples when I'm ready to narrow."
"Only you would be so organized an OCD about this whole thing. And don't think I didn't notice you totally ignoring my question about attractiveness. You know I'll keep asking until I wear you down!"
Rolling her eyes she sighs "I would expect nothing less of you Pol. And to answer your question yes there are some attractive trainees, but I'm not naming names yet!"
"Fine, have it your way make me suffer."
"I said yet, not never Pol. You can cool your jets for a little while. This decision is way to important to have attractiveness playing more than a passing role."
After calming her mind. Piper did manage to get some refreshing sleep. It's day two and she arrives early to grab a quick bite before checking in with Jason. Someone calls her name in the cafeteria so she looks that direction and spots the older man. He joins her in line and even pays for her food.
"You didn't have to pay Jason. I don't except extras because of who my father is."
"Nonsense. I wanted to. Yesterday was one of the most engaging days I've had in awhile. I very much enjoyed your keen and methodical analysis." Laughing at himself, "Hell I wish more of my trainers approached things the way you do."
She smiles and offers a quick thank you, as he begins to tell her which courses they will be watching today. Piper isn't particularly thrilled about the guns training, but decided she at least needs to know how the trainees measure up against each other.
"So Piper, you've been a lot quieter today. Any particular reason?"
"Just a lot of my mind Jason. Making sure to take through notes of details and who stands out to me is each area or course we evaluate."
"Not every trainee is going to excel in every area. They all have strengths and weaknesses. The trick is to think about the courses or areas individually and determine which highlight the qualities you most want someone on your detail to embody. It can also be valuable to think of the individual responsibilities for each team member. Perhaps having some that excel in your top areas and others who may line up better with qualities you don't find as necessary but are still needed for an overall team."
"That makes sense. To not look for everything in one individual. Can you give any any paperwork on individual team member roles and what qualities are typically looked for in each role? It would help me not only with the trainees but also a certified staff member who has gotten their real world experience."
"I believe I have just the materials your looking for. Now that we've seen a session of each of the courses. I would suggest you determine your quality likes and dislikes before going the the expansive amount of info. you've collected . Knowing your non-negotiable list before trying to put names into it, makes the process less overwhelming. Then try to cut the trainee list at least in half."
"I will try that. When I cut the list, will I able to see courses of just those who made it through my first round?"
"That's not something we normally do Piper. But I also see just how important it is for you to make the best selections for yourself. So if you give me the list by at least Friday, I'll work things around so next week you'll be able to see all your narrowed trainees in a day or day and a half."
"Thank you Jason. I very much appreciate the extra consideration. Are the videos I requested available yet?"
"I believe they are. I'll get them downloaded on a disc you can keep and have it delivered to your father's house for you tonight or tomorrow." He reaches out his hand "here's my card it has not only my email and office number but also my cell. Don't hesitate to call if you have a question or need additional info. to help your process. And please aim for Friday morning with the list if at all possible."
"I will. And thank you so much Jason."