Dear Supriya,
I would like to relate an experience when I started off my career as a trainee with a tea consulting outfit in Kolkata, some 20 years ago. The company's founder was a highly regarded and deeply respected Tea professional globally.
A few months into my stint, our office was visited by Shri Madan Dulloo, Agriculture Minister of Mauritius. As luck would have it, both our office boys were out. While the office was adequately staffed, we did not have anyone to offer one of our 'fancy' (we were a tea company after all) blends of tea to our guest. Against the advice of my colleagues, I went out and bought some snacks downstairs and on return prepared tea as could only be prepared in a tea company and served it.
My chairman was no doubt surprised but more so the visitor, when I was introduced. He too was of Indian stock! Once the Minister left, my chairman took me to the hall where the rest of us 'little people' (and I say that in jest) worked and praised me in front of my colleagues and seniors. The point he made that day has stayed with me these many years - "How would you behave and conduct yourself in the presence of your guest had this not been an office but your own home?"
It helps greatly if your boss/superiors are gracious! But admittedly, it is not always so. I have been mostly lucky, in that regard.
It is true, that this is a yardstick that I have followed for myself, and in my case, it has worked out very well, both socially and professionally (and yes, I still do make a mean cup of tea).
Cheers!
Raahul K Mukherjee
I would like to relate an experience when I started off my career as a trainee with a tea consulting outfit in Kolkata, some 20 years ago. The company's founder was a highly regarded and deeply respected Tea professional globally.
A few months into my stint, our office was visited by Shri Madan Dulloo, Agriculture Minister of Mauritius. As luck would have it, both our office boys were out. While the office was adequately staffed, we did not have anyone to offer one of our 'fancy' (we were a tea company after all) blends of tea to our guest. Against the advice of my colleagues, I went out and bought some snacks downstairs and on return prepared tea as could only be prepared in a tea company and served it.
My chairman was no doubt surprised but more so the visitor, when I was introduced. He too was of Indian stock! Once the Minister left, my chairman took me to the hall where the rest of us 'little people' (and I say that in jest) worked and praised me in front of my colleagues and seniors. The point he made that day has stayed with me these many years - "How would you behave and conduct yourself in the presence of your guest had this not been an office but your own home?"
It helps greatly if your boss/superiors are gracious! But admittedly, it is not always so. I have been mostly lucky, in that regard.
It is true, that this is a yardstick that I have followed for myself, and in my case, it has worked out very well, both socially and professionally (and yes, I still do make a mean cup of tea).
Cheers!
Raahul K Mukherjee