Part 11 (1/2)

Anne-Lise, Paul would like to see us all in his room, right now.

Malene doesnt smile; neither does Anne-Lise.

Im coming.

Seated at the small conference table in Pauls room, they begin their meeting. It is orderly, without the emotional undercurrents of the day before. Soberly they go through what has happened and what they ought to do in the future. Everyone is very accommodating. Iben even apologizes to Anne-Lise.

Anne-Lise, we may not have paid enough attention to you. Well do our best to make it up to you, now that we know that you dont like working alone as much as youve been doing.

It upsets me to think that youve been feeling miserable all this time, Camilla adds. You shouldve told us ages ago. n.o.body has to put up with feeling like that. We should all enjoy coming to work here.

Anne-Lise looks, wide-eyed, from one to the other.

Paul seems pleased. After a surprisingly short time, he sums up: Its so easy to misjudge one another, isnt it? Im afraid I have to accept my share of the responsibility. We ought to talk together more often about how we work as a team, like were doing now.

He turns to Anne-Lise. Do you think that the others were hara.s.sing you?

When she speaks, her voice sounds thick and she keeps clearing her throat. No no, I dont.

So you were simply thrown off-balance? It was all a misunderstanding?

Yes.

Good. Then its settled!

Pauls voice sounds as if hes been dealt a winning hand at cards. Slowly, he looks around the table, making eye contact with each of the women. Then he speaks directly to Anne-Lise again: But you do feel youre on your own too much in the library?

Yes.

And youd like more contact with the library users?

Yes.

He takes a large sip of coffee.

What about the rest of you? Now that were talking about what we want from each other what do you want from Anne-Lise?

Iben replies first. Anne-Lise, you must make it clear what your needs are. More than you have done so far. She looks around at the others. If Anne-Lise doesnt tell us, we have nothing to go by.

Obviously. Anne-Lise, will you do that?

Yes.

Paul smiles delightedly at everybody. Good! Im sure weve all learned something today. Lets shake hands on it, and promise that well do whatever we can to create a better working atmosphere.

Awkwardly, hands reach out between the coffee mugs on the table.

Paul continues to speak as he gets up to go: From now on the door between the large office and the library will always be left open. And all user inquiries about books and other library matters will immediately be pa.s.sed on to Anne-Lise. There, weve done it. Fantastic!

Hold it!

Paul, we havent agreed to anything of the sort!

Its impossible to carve up user contacts like that!

I wont sit in a draft!

You cant decide just like that!

Paul is forced to sit down again. He tries to smile, but he is impatient.

Iben has been pus.h.i.+ng her coffee cup around with small circular movements. Then she sits up and looks over at Camilla.

Camilla, Ive thought of a solution, but its up to you to say if you think it will work. Of course you mustnt sit somewhere that might make you ill. But what if we moved your desk so that it wasnt in the path of any drafts from the door?

I suppose Malene takes over now in fact, she and Iben had worked this out earlier, when they were alone in the copier room: It is more practical for you to sit close to Pauls door, but it wont make a huge difference if you dont. Besides, he isnt in a lot of the time.

No Camilla sounds vague, looks distant.

Malene tries to sweeten the pill: What if we moved your desk closer to ours? After all, you speak to us more than to Paul. It would be nice. Malene glances anxiously at Iben. They havent discussed this.

Iben appears to agree but doesnt like it. The exchange is so quick that no one else notices.

Iben smiles. Sure, it would be great if you sat closer to us. And weve never felt any drafts over where we are.

Camilla now looks quite pleased, if somewhat confused. The matter is resolved. Camillas desk will be moved next to Iben and Malenes, and the library door will be kept open.

Once more Paul is ready to end the meeting.

Malene speaks up quickly. Paul, one more thing. About the user contacts and the library!

He looks mildly irritated. What about it?

Its critical that the DCIG provides the best possible service. We must organize our office with that goal in mind. After all, were here to adjust to the users needs, not the other way around.

Paul mutters approvingly and Malene continues: Clients dont like being shunted around to a different member of staff every time they want to ask another question.

But it happens.

Ideally, it shouldnt, unless the established contact cant provide an answer. Think of a financial inst.i.tution. The bank or firm sees to it that the same person always deals with the same clients. The experts arent consulted unless the a.s.signed advisor cant deal with whatever the question is.

Malene stops for a moment and looks around the table. We need to give our clients the best possible service we can. Besides, one of Anne-Lises demands has already been met.

Iben backs her up. I agree with Malene.