Gavin banned staff from replying to everyone on office emails.
If they had anything else to say, he told them, they should speak face to face.
The next morning, people began gathering at his desk. More kept arriving until the whole team was there.
Gavin asked the last man in why he had come….
Gavin’s Monday began with forty-three emails about a missing teaspoon.
The first message asked whether anyone had seen it.
The second said no.
The third said there were spoons in the kitchen.
The fourth explained that it was a particular spoon.
By ten, someone had sent a photograph of a fork.
Gavin called a short meeting.
From now on, no more replying to everyone unless everyone needs the answer.
What if we’re not sure? asked Aisha.
Use common sense.
Could you email that so we have it in writing?
Gavin looked at her.
That wasn’t a joke, she said. I’m on the early shift tomorrow.
He sent one final email to the whole office. It explained the new rule in six paragraphs.
At the end, he added: If you have anything further to say, come and speak to me face to face.
Then he sat back.
His inbox stayed quiet for almost an hour.
On Tuesday morning, Aisha appeared at his desk.
I’ve read the new rule.
Good, Gavin said.
I agree with it.
Excellent.
She remained standing there.
Is there something else?
You sent it to everyone. I thought everyone should hear my reply.
She called across to the next row of desks.
I agree with Gavin’s email.
Three people looked up.
Ben walked over.
So do I.
You can go back to work, Gavin told him.
Ben nodded to Aisha.
Thanks for letting us know you agree.
Ella joined them.
I just wanted to thank Ben for thanking Aisha.
Gavin put down his pen.
This is exactly what I wanted to stop.
There was a small pause.
Then Ella asked whether the instruction applied to thank-yous.
Of course.
She turned to Ben.
Sorry.
Ben said that was all right.
Aisha thanked him for being understanding.
By half past nine, eight people stood around Gavin’s desk. Someone brought a chair because one of them had a bad knee.
Gavin told them to stop adding unnecessary comments.
Aisha agreed.
Ben said she had already said that.
Ella asked everyone to let Gavin finish.
Two more people came over to find out why everyone was standing up.
Gavin explained the original teaspoon email.
One of the newcomers said the spoon had been found yesterday.
Where? asked Ben.
Gavin closed his eyes.
At last, he raised both hands.
Nobody say another word. Please return to your desks.
People began moving away.
Then the oldest member of the team, Ron, arrived carrying his tea.
Not you as well, Gavin said.
I’ve got one request.
If this is about the spoon-
Ron shook his head.
Please take me off this conversation.
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