Problem:
You are the sales manager of a specific territory in Missouri for a company that manufactures highly specialized electrical parts. Your boss, the head of sales for Missouri, is being temporarily moved to California for a few months during which time the sales chief of Kansas would be handling his responsibilities. Before leaving he calls you for a general discussion and at some point during the discussion; he says, Just take it easy till I'm back. You may be looking at a promotion later this year.
You know exactly what he means - his colleague from Kansas is a competitor who is also expecting a promotion this year. He would prefer his colleague's performance to be mediocre.
In view of this pressure to engage in illegitimate political behavior what would you do during your boss' absence? Provide a reason for your actions while your boss isn't there.
Assuming that you decided to keep your sales at its usual very high level how would you respond to your boss after his return?