Shark Tank: Terrific ideas

27.03.2006
For the past few years, to keep track of this projector, IT staffers at this corporate office have been using a sign-out sheet. But one day, a VP doesn't want to go through the sign-out process. "It's only for an hour," he complains. "I don't see why I have to. What's the point?" IT pilot fish calmly explains that it's the only way to prevent the projector from disappearing. Besides, says fish, you're the one who came up with the sign-out sheet idea, and it's worked well so far. "Really?" says VP. "Oh. It's a terrific idea, then."

Helpful

Employees in this office are friendly and talkative, so consultant pilot fish ends up getting most of his work done after hours. One evening, the company president stops by and, after chatting about the weather, fishing and company gossip, asks how the project is going. "Pretty well," fish says, except for delays from the frequent interruptions." Interruptions? says the boss. Tell me about the interruptions. I'll put a stop to them. "Well," says fish, "this is one."

Adult behavior

New boss is supposed to get copies of management-related e-mails. And to make sure they're received and read, they're sent with the "request read receipt" flag turned on. The old boss just set his e-mail to respond automatically - but not the new guy. "Apparently, his option is set to 'ask me before sending a receipt,' and he refuses to change it," netadmin pilot fish sighs. "He says read receipts shouldn't have to be sent anyway, since 'we're all adults.' Our work-around? Turn off 'request read receipt' when sending e-mail to the boss."

Um, right

Pilot fish is proudest of one paper-reducing application: a Web form for parts that is sent from approver to approver until each part is set up or rejected. But one day he's in the purchasing department and sees an agent shredding a printout of a Web page. Is that from the parts application? fish asks. Agent: "Yes, we always print a copy and shred it afterwards. It makes it easier to keep up with everything."

Face time

Manufacturing plant manager calls pilot fish to come up from the data center right away. But why? Fish can't think of any active projects the boss would be interested in. "Do you have an engineering degree?" boss asks. Yes, I do, fish replies. Boss: "Well, I have this clock that I had the technicians change a light bulb in. Could you put the hands back on the face for me?"

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