One reviewer worried that allowing equipment purchases would open the door to unlimited requests for clothing and supplies.

Another pointed out that the program already covered necessary work equipment under a modest cap.

I listened while they worked through the disagreement.

At last they asked what I thought.

‘I think we should follow the policy we approved,’ I said, ‘and review whether it’s working when we have enough cases to see a pattern.’

It wasn’t a dramatic answer, but organizations should not depend on the director’s emotions changing from one day to another.

We approved the purchase once the employer’s requirement was documented.