I do not work in the Parts Department. I have never worked in the Parts Department. You would think after working in this office as long as I have, I would stop getting calls for the Parts Department.
I can understand the need to reuse extension numbers within an office building. What I cannot understand is the frequency that I have the following conversation.
“Hello, this is Mr. Grumpy, in Marketing. How may I help you?”
“Yes…” <pause> “Is Denise there?”
“What part of my greeting did you not understand, sir?”
“Is this 111-1234?”
“Yes.”
<pause> “Well, I am looking for Denise in the Parts Department.
This is the number I got from the phone listing.”
“Sir, I can assure you that nobody named Denise is hiding in my cubicle. Just out of curiosity, is there a date on your phone listing?”
<longer pause> “Uh, it looks like 1995.”
“Gee, that’s a shock. Would you like me to transfer you to the Operator now?”