The Anteroom......

How delicious it was for me the other day to go back in time to my childhood......

The interesting thing about the regional corporate, and often governmental, culture is that we still seem to get stuck with the good ol' days' mentality that lead leaders to believe that, by making people wait, they would show importance and power.

So, as I was saying, I was called to a meeting at the General Director's office.  How did this happen?  No, no previous note.  Just one of my staff came into my office and said that there was a meeting at the GD's.  Subject?  No idea.  Preparation?  As usual......

There I went, with full gear (full suit) and pen-and-notebook.

It so happened that, as I sat in the huge 'Anteroom', more people started to join me in this cocktail-like atmosphere..............  Some sitting, some standing, but most chatting in low voice.  Some were quiet and looking like there were going to the slaughterhouse.........

The 'Ante' is guarded by a bulldog-like PA (secretary in the old days), attentive to any strange or suspicious movement, even most insignificant increase in the voice of some invitees.

After 10 minutes, the PA stood up, opened one door which lead to a second door a meter away which, in turn opened into the grand space of the GD.  But, to our surprise, she came immediately out with a pale face, closing both doors behind her.

A few minutes later, as the PA put her phone down, we were all lead to the Office.

Now, what was so special about the meeting?  Nothing other than we were requested to remain standing while the GD made a discourse to congratulate someone we were not familiar with......

What was worse, was that the GD suddenly turned to me and ask me to also say some words.  But it was all in Russian and I had no idea what was the hole story about !!  So, not sure if smart, stupid or funny move, I put my arm around the GD's shoulders making him turn some 90 degrees and I asked in his ear 'can you please tell me what is the occasion so that I can pull out some words?'........  Good laugh and I was told the 'plot'...

There I was then, all smile, producing the most delicate verbal diarrhea I could possibly figure out under the circumstance, mind you adapted to local taste.......

The Anteroom reminded me of yonder times when, while on holidays, I would go once in a while with my father to the banks, where he would visit one of the Management team or the President of the bank himself.  Same story, the leather seats, the big paintings, the carpets and, of course, the critter-faced Secretary...........

Hummmm.....  what a delight !!