Karen has referred the matter to Harmeet.
Donkihole’s Head of Complaints, Gary, has submitted a confidential proposal to replace Harmeet in IT with an AI chatbot. The proposal was sent to Karen, the chief executive, in a document Gary could not open.
“I want someone who understands how people work.”— Gary, Head of Complaints
Karen forwarded it to Harmeet, who repaired the file, corrected the costings and returned it with tracked changes. Gary thanked him for his discretion.
“The problem with Harmeet is communication,” Gary wrote. “He speaks seventeen languages and none of them is English. We need modern technology.” Harmeet, who uses an AI translator for English, translated this without comment.
Gary speaks Canadian, American and Australian English. He is still working on British English. An early test of the proposed replacement had to be abandoned when it described his plan as “quite ambitious” and Gary could not establish whether he had been complimented.
Karen, who speaks English and French, asked what the new system would do. Gary said it would answer questions, solve technical problems and remain available while he was at lunch. Harmeet confirmed that all three functions were currently supported.
The proposal also included a revised organization chart. Karen’s position was marked “under review.” Gary’s was marked “leadership.” Harmeet had been asked to make the boxes line up.
“I want someone who understands how people work,” Gary told Karen. “Not someone who just produces an answer because I’ve asked a question.” Karen suggested he spend more time with Complaints.
Harmeet joined the review by video, smiling broadly, one eye half open. Karen asked whether there were any compatibility concerns. “I have been compatible with Gary for some time,” he said. “I would not describe it as a recommendation.”
Gary asked Harmeet to find a suitable chatbot and arrange an introductory call. Harmeet sent his usual meeting link.
Karen accepted in both languages. Gary asked whether the candidate had any relevant experience.