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Stepping aside

Hello again and welcome back to English at Work. Last time we heard the team from Tip Top Trading having a smashing time at the launch of its plastic aubergine. Tom threw one at Dave from the IT department, but it missed him and went through a window! It’s time for Paul to hand out some harsh words.

Paul

That behaviour just isn’t on.

Tom

Sorry Paul… but it was quite funny wasn’t it?

Paul

No it wasn’t.

Anna

Sorry Paul, Tom was just angry with Dave. I thought he liked me but we saw him with Julie from accounts.

Paul

Really? He seemed such a decent chap… anyway, don’t do it again. OK? In the meantime, you’re going to have to pay for that broken window.

Tom

What… hey? Bbbut…

Paul

Now, excuse me, I need to take this. Hello, Paul Smith speaking. Ah, Mr Socrates… yes… ah, you’ve heard… Tom

Crikey, come on we’d better go.

Denise

That was a good shot Tom! Looks like it’s made an impact on Dave. Look, he’s sent Anna some flowers.

Anna

Oh there’s a note on it. It says “You can count on me” but no name.

Denise

That is a strange thing for him to write.

Anna

Hmm, it is and it’s not his handwriting.

Tom

Maybe a secret admirer eh? I wonder who it could be?

Denise

Are you OK Paul? You look as white as a sheet.

Paul

I’m not actually. Mr Socrates says he’s having a strategic review.

Anna

A what?

Narrator

He means he’s been looking at how the business is operating and how it should operate in the future.

Anna

That sounds serious.

Paul

And as part of his review, he says he wants to downsize and he’s asked me to… step aside.

Anna

Why? What are you in the way of?

Narrator

No Anna. To step aside is a polite way of saying to leave your position in the company.

Anna

Oh. I don’t understand Paul. Why?

Paul

He says the company needs new direction and more dynamic leadership.

Tom

Crumbs Paul, you can’t get more dynamic than you!

Anna

Tom! But Paul, you’ve been a great boss.

Paul

Thanks Anna. I guess it’s the economic climate, we’re not making enough money so cutting staff is inevitable.

Tom

Yeah but you cut Denise’s job.

Paul

Yes but we had to get her back because she was necessary for the smooth running of the department.

Denise

That’s right.

Paul

But Mr Socrates says I’m ‘surplus to requirement’.

Anna

Oh, that doesn’t sound good… does it?

Narrator

If Paul’s job is ‘surplus to requirement’, it means his input to the business is no longer needed. So it’s not good news.

Paul

Anyway Anna, Mr Socrates wants to know if you got his special message?

Anna

Special message? The flowers!?

Denise

That’s strange. Why is Mr Socrates sending you flowers?

Narrator

It is a bit strange. Anyway, Paul’s news has come as a shock for everyone. Here are some of the phrases Mr Socrates used to break the bad news: I’ve been doing a strategic review of the company.

I need to downsize.

I need you to step aside.

The company needs a new direction and more dynamic leadership.

You are surplus to requirement.

Anna

Right, I’m going to have to call Mr Socrates and find out why he’s sent me flowers.

Mr Socrates

Socrates… who wants me?

Anna

Erm… hello Mr Socrates… it’s Anna here.

Mr Socrates

Anna! My favourite girl. Please call me Brad. So glad you called.

Anna

I needed to speak to you about the flowers you sent me. I’m very flattered but I don’t think… Mr Socrates

The flowers?! Sorry honey, I haven’t sent you any flowers but I have sent you an email – have you read it yet?

Anna

No. What did it say?

Mr Socrates

I was saying that as I’m giving Paul the chop, would you like a promotion?

Anna

A promotion?

Mr Socrates

Yes. You have been an outstanding member of the team so how would you like to be the new manager of Tip Top Trading’s London office?

Narrator

What a fantastic opportunity and one that Anna surely can’t refuse – or can she? And who did send Anna those flowers with a message saying “You can count on me”? Find out what her answer is in the next English at Work. Bye.