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Protocol can be
a two edged sword. Take the experience of one particular
organization, the general manager of which is an ex-military
man and a stickler for "proper channels".
"Every piece of information or directive has to go
through the proper channels," he tells staff daily.
That means memos, memos, memos. A single memo for all
staff isn't good enough. Each department must be informed
of any development by its department head, who must in
turn be informed by his superiors, and they by their superiors.
The only problem is, all these memos provide plenty of
room for people's own interpretation.
Here is how a simple directive from the general manager
passed down the line one day recently.
Memo from General Manager to Manager: Today at 11 o'clock
there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when
the sun appears behind the moon for two minutes. As this
is something that cannot be seen every day, time will
be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the car
park. Staff should meet in the car park at ten to eleven,
when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse,
and giving some background information. Safety goggles
will be made available at a small cost.
Memo from Manager to Head of Department: Today at ten
to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This
will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which
will disappear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this
will be made safe with goggles. The General Manager will
deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some
background information. This is not something that can
be seen every day.
Memo from Head of Department to Floor Manager: The General
Manager will today deliver a short speech to make the
sun disappear for two minutes in the eclipse. This is
something that cannot be seen every day, so staff will
meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe,
if you pay a moderate cost.
Memo From Floor Manager to Supervisor: Ten or eleven staff
are to go to the car park, where the General Manager will
eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn't happen every
day. It will be safe, but it will cost you.
Memo from Supervisor to Staff: Some staff will go to the
car park today to see the General Manager disappear at
eleven under the sun. It is a pity this doesn't happen
every day. For your own safety, you had better pay a small
price. |
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