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Eating humble pie

Welcome back to the chaotic offices of Tip Top Trading. Now Denise has left the company, the place is a mess and important phone messages are being lost. What can be done to make things better? I think we know the answer!

Paul

Hi. Did anyone take a message for me while I was out? I’m expecting an important call.

Tom

Err… no!

Anna

Actually yes Paul. I wrote it on Tom’s hand but he washed it off.

Tom

Look, good hygiene’s very important to me.

Paul

Hmm. That’s not very good is it? What’s wrong with writing on a piece of paper?

Anna

We’ve run out of paper… and pens.

Tom

Everything really. Nobody’s ordered any stationery or tidied up the office.

Anna

It’s since Denise left.

Paul

Yes, maybe I was a bit hasty getting rid of her. It was really just to save money.

Tom

Yeah, but look, if we can’t take messages from possible clients we’re going to lose even more money.

Paul

Yes… I suppose you have a point. Maybe I will to have reinstate her.

Anna

You mean, get her back?

Narrator

Yes Anna, he does. Another way of saying reinstate is he’s got to ‘reverse his decision’. It means Paul has got to make an awkward call to Denise.

Tom

Look Paul, you’re going to have to call her and tell her you’ve made an error… a huge one actually.

Paul

It wasn’t that huge? Actually… Anna, you’re her good friend, would you like to call her?

Anna

Me?! B-b-but I can’t.

Narrator

What a coward! I think it’s time to stand your ground Anna. Tell him “You’re the boss, I think it’s better coming from you”, and remind him “it was your decision so you need to explain the situation”, and remind him “this is your responsibility”. You could suggest he says “I’m sorry, I made a mistake and we would love to have you back.”

Anna

OK. Do you know what Paul, I think the news is better coming from you… just to make it official.

Tom

Yeah Paul, you are the boss after all.

Anna

And it was your decision in the first place so you need to explain that the situation has changed.

Paul

Well, maybe you’re right but I can’t tell her I’m wrong can I?

Anna

Look, just say you’re sorry. Tell her you made a mistake and I would love to have you back… we all would.

PaulYes, you’re right. I should do it. I’ll just have a quick biscuit. Here goes.

Denise

Hello?

Paul

Ah… h-h-h-ello Denise. It’s me… Paul…your boss… your ex-boss from Tip Top Trading.

Denise

Oh.

Paul

How are you… getting on?

Denise

Well…

Paul

Good, good. Actually, I’ve been rethinking our staffing situation in the office… Denise

Yes?

Paul

And…well… I’m sorry Denise… I… miscalculated my staffing numbers.

Denise

You mean you made a mistake?

Paul

Well, I suppose so. So… I would love to have you back in the office as soon as possible. What do you say?

Denise

Hmm, let me think about it… hmmm… errr… well… hmmm… Narrator

What will Denise decide? It was a hard phone call for Paul to make, but not one Anna should have made as it wasn’t her mistake. She stood her ground with Paul and used the following phrases: You’re the boss and I think the news is better coming from you.

It was your decision in the first place so you need to explain that the situation has changed.

This is your responsibility.

Narrator

And here is a reminder of the phrases Paul used to try and apologise: I’ve been rethinking our staffing situation in the office.

Sorry, I made a mistake. I miscalculated my staffing numbers.

I would love to have you back in the office.

Denise

Hmmm… well… OK then. I’ll start back tomorrow.

Paul

Oh wonderful. I’m so pleased. We’ll get your old chair back in position.

Denise

Actually Paul, if you want me back I’ll need a new chair… and a new phone… Paul

OK Denise! See you tomorrow.

Denise

And a pay rise!

Tom

So, is she coming back then?

Paul

Yes, first thing tomorrow.

Tom

That’s good because we’ve just had a call from Nice’n’Cheesy – they said nobody returned their call yesterday and that if we don’t contact them by the end of tomorrow they will go elsewhere for their plastic grapes.

Paul

Right, we must act… and act fast.

Narrator

Let’s hope they don’t lose that contract. At least with Denise returning to work, things will be a little more organised but for how long? Join us again next time on English at Work. Bye!