aether0void



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  1. Public Bookmark *

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    I've recently been unexpectedly promoted to lead a department in my organisation, wrote the anonymous emailer.

     

    As there was no one working here when I arrived, my manager, who is head of the organisation, had promised me the choice of my own assistants. However, without warning, he simply presented me with an additional assistant. This new assistant’s first act on his first day was to let a dog into the office. It took several hours to catch and clean up after this dog and it has only been downhill from there. I admit I'm not entirely sure what to do with this assistant now I'm stuck with him. I'm hoping you have some advice?

     

    Kind regards,
    New Manager

    Abigail Bailey runs a successful management advice blog. One frequent contributor is from a workplace with some... issues.

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    19 Feb 2026

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    As you are no doubt aware, one of the most vital aspects of people management is ensuring one makes the time for one's line reports via an annual review, wrote Peter Lukas, to Jonathan Sims. It's important we understand your performance over the last year and your goals and objectives for the coming one. I wouldn't want you to feel unsupported by Institute management.

    How many bottles of whisky have you got left in your desk drawers? messaged Jon, to Daisy.

     

    Jon has his annual review. He feels exactly as supported by Institute management as Peter Lukas hopes he will.

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    22 Jan 2026

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    "Martin, what's a 'Zoom'?"
    "On- on a... camera?"
    "No, on a computer."
    "Wh-? Oh.
    Oh. It's this, um, video calling thing."

    Martin has a lot of jobs to do, as Peter's assistant. Some of them are more difficult than others.

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    22 Jan 2026

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    I hope you find your new role as Head of the Institute as rewarding as captaining the Tundra, wrote Elias Bouchard, to Peter Lukas. There are so many people working there: all with their own interesting lives, and all desiring your attention and support. I'm sure you will relish the challenge it will bring and enjoy every moment spent with the fine men and women of the Institute. In time I'm confident they'll become like a family to you.

    The Magnus Institute has a new boss.
    The Magnus Institute also has a new tech support technician.
    These two facts are unrelated, except they both happen at the same time.

    Meanwhile Jon's woken up from being dead for six months and for once he's trying his best. He just wishes Martin would stop avoiding him and answer his messages...

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    22 Jan 2026

  5. Public Bookmark *

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    I'm sure given your position you already know about the advent of the General Data Protection Regulation next year, wrote Peter Lukas, to Elias Bouchard. However, the Lukas family wishes to be crystal clear that our continued investment is contingent upon the Institute taking its responsibilities with regards to privacy and confidentiality seriously.

    The Magnus Institute hires a Data Protection Officer. He sets about diligently booking in meetings, writing policy documents, and training all the staff in the importance of confidentiality. Now if only he could get hold of the Head Archivist, who seems to have vanished again...

    (Jon is only trying to save the world, but apparently some people think he should still be doing his day job.)

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    22 Jan 2026