Professional

When I went to the post office to pick up my stock dividend last Friday, an old clerk welcomed me and asked what I came here for. He had not been there when I came last time. When he knew my purpose he passed me a numbered ticket that showed how many persons were waiting before I was dealt with and also gave me a small sheet of paper telling me to fill in the boxes. It was to write my name, address, and telephone number. It was new to me. So, I asked him what brought them the idea that causes customers this little trouble.
"Sorry, I have no idea, because I was just told to have customers fill out the paper although I suspect perhaps it has something to do with the privatization of the postal service. If you "must" know please ask one of those in the counter when your turn comes." He was very talkative.
When my turn came I gave the form to a young guy over the counter. He just put it aside. While waiting for him to dispose of something I don't know, I asked him the same question although it was not "must".
"Why did you begin to require customers to fill out this form? We used not to, right?"
He showed a bit perplexed expression and said
"No, we didn't use to. I am not sure, but I guess it is to make things sure."
"Isn't it funny you created a new trouble for a customer and still you are not sure about the reason?"
"Sorry, I was just told by my supervisor. This paper is going to be shreded immediately after things are done."
"I am not worried about the privacy. I am talking about why you are wasting the paper and the time of customers" Saying this, I could not help laughing.
"Sorry, but really I was just told."
I realized one thing. They are just doing exactly what they were told to do, which might be fine, without any intention of knowing why, which I think is a problem. "I was just told" means "I have no responsibility for the trouble." It is quite unprofessional.
Come to think, this is what I have been feeling about the society in general today. People never really commit. They want to get as much money with as less trouble and responsibility as possible. They do not understand the basic that money is accompanied by responsibility. Responsibility is part of what they are paid for. Knowing too much, they are afraid, could possibly cause them their "unnecessary" responsibility. So they do not want to know and just obey orders.
As he passed me the dividend, he told me.
"Thank you for asking the reason. 勉強しておきます"
Good, I will ask you the same question when I come next time if I do not forget. .....I am sure I will forget^^