Email received by my sister, who works in the cutting edge of the knowledge economy [at least I think she does, I can’t understand what she does and that’s often a sign], from one of the people who report to her:
Hi,
As you know X and I have just moved upstairs today. I am unable to see my computer screen clearly due to a lack of daylight which is straining my eyes. Can some of the blinds in the room be opened? Thanks,
[Team member]
The author of this plaintive plea is a graduate in her mid-30s. Words fail me.
In her defense – could it be a crazily overdesigned building in which things like blinds can’t be adjusted manually?? I’m guessing not …
It leaves me wondering whether
(a) she felt she needed permission to open the blinds (there are some offices where woe betide the employee who moves anything without permission)
(b) she didn’t know how
(c) she thought it was beneath her dignity and some janitorial/handyman person shoudl come around to do it.
Or maybe it is a super smart building where the blinds are not operable manually??
No, no, no, even if any or all of these things were true, it is never a good idea to make them your manager’s problem, I feel.