ABSTRACT
Alec produces great food. But he isn’t a great manager. He likes to concentrate on cooking, and leaves everything else to his staff. Since most staff last only a few months, it isn’t surprising that there are occasional disasters.
So now the cafeteria is closed, amid much grumbling from staff. Smoke damage means every surface needs cleaning and repainting. And the business needs a new kitchen. ‘It was the grease trap,’ said Alec. ‘All members of staff know they have to empty it, every Friday. But sometimes these things get overlooked.’
Alec and his staff put out the fire with two extinguishers, no one was hurt, and the fire didn’t spread. But there needs to be an enquiry, and maybe a disciplinary hearing. ‘Who does Alec report to?’ you ask your assistant. ‘Er, technically you,’ he says. You sigh.
