1.  Robert Mendes has been the top salesperson in the Atlantic region for more than five years. He asked one day to have lunch with Hall Maybee, the regional sales manager for Power & Motion Industrial Supply Inc. During the table conversation, Robert turned quite serious. "Rumour has it that you are likely to be the next vice president when Jim retires next year. I just want you to know that I expect to replace you when that happens. I have been here for almost 10 years now and I know that my sales performance is among the best in the country. I have been dedicated to this company and I know that I have a lot to offer but I can't stay around forever as simply a salesperson. I want your job and if I don't get it, I will have to leave."
   
   Hal had to acknowledge that Robert was correct about being one of the top sales people nationally. He was however surprised by Robert's approach. Furthermore, Robert had never given any previous indication that he was interested in a sales management, and Hal did not believe that he was ready for a sales management position. Hal was considering what his response would be. He had heard a rumour about his possible promotion as well but so far it was nothing more than a rumour.
   
   If you were Hal Maybe how would you respond to this situation?