Derek Allen worked his way from the mail room of Carlton Firth Engineering to the position of CEO. During his twenty-seven years service he had done time in all areas of the business. He was familiar with every process in every department. His ability to resolve internal quarrels had seen him climb the corporate ladder with relative ease. With each small promotion came new conflict, and at the top, Derek dealt with it all - from complaints about coffee to issues with billion dollar loans. Presently, Derek’s biggest issue concerned the company dress code. Senior members were distressed because junior employees were not complying with CFE regulations – although listed as mandatory, many young male staff members were not wearing ties. Derek really couldn’t care less, but he sent out an email to clear things up:
A reminder to staff about dress code regulations. Attached is a copy of our current personal
presentation policy. All CFE employees are required to don ties when representing the company.
Maintaining a high standard of personal presentation is imperative to the respectability of our
company.
Regards,
Derek Allen
CEO Carlton Firth Engineering
Within minutes he received a reply from one of the junior members in question:
Dear Mr Allen
I understand that maintaining public respect is important to CFE. However, if appearance is of concern,
my lack of tie is only a trivial matter. Tony Walsh, the senior advisor with whom I share an office,
weighs in excess of 150 kilograms; by midmorning his shirt is wet with perspiration, and the stench
that brews as a result of his obesity borders on unbearable. The compulsory tie he wears is far from
enough to mask the double chin or his inability to walk without physical pain. If my semiformal approach
to dress is considered more offensive than his appearance, I take great insult. Until he drops from an
obese classification, I refuse to comply with the dress standard in question.
Kind Regards,
Tony Walsh
Derek shook his head. He was overseeing seven multimillion dollar projects and this was his biggest concern.
A reminder to staff about dress code regulations. Attached is a copy of our current personal
presentation policy. All CFE employees are required to don ties when representing the company.
Maintaining a high standard of personal presentation is imperative to the respectability of our
company.
Regards,
Derek Allen
CEO Carlton Firth Engineering
Within minutes he received a reply from one of the junior members in question:
Dear Mr Allen
I understand that maintaining public respect is important to CFE. However, if appearance is of concern,
my lack of tie is only a trivial matter. Tony Walsh, the senior advisor with whom I share an office,
weighs in excess of 150 kilograms; by midmorning his shirt is wet with perspiration, and the stench
that brews as a result of his obesity borders on unbearable. The compulsory tie he wears is far from
enough to mask the double chin or his inability to walk without physical pain. If my semiformal approach
to dress is considered more offensive than his appearance, I take great insult. Until he drops from an
obese classification, I refuse to comply with the dress standard in question.
Kind Regards,
Tony Walsh
Derek shook his head. He was overseeing seven multimillion dollar projects and this was his biggest concern.