English at Work – Episode Episode 60 : Stepping aside
Transcript of the podcast
Narrator: 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
(Door shuts)
.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
(Phone rings)
Paul: Now, excuse me, I need to take this. (Answers phone) Hello, Paul Smith speaking. Ah, Mr Socrates… yes… ah, you’ve heard
.Tom: (Whispering) Crikey, come on we’d better go
(Door shuts)
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
(Door opens)
.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! (sniggers)
.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
(Anna phones Mr Socrates)
?Mr Socrates: Socrates… who wants me
.Anna: Erm… hello Mr Socrates… it’s Anna here, in London
.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
