Leadership and chopping wood

Years ago, I was invited to give a keynote address to an APAC country managers' leadership assembly, which took place in one of the function rooms at the Manila Polo Club.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

Clients and friends who have invited me in the past know that I always show up early, so I can have a little time allowance to study the venue, examine the stage, and check the tech provisions so I can provide or ship out work of excellence.

I distinctly remembered that this involved country leaders or directors from the region, so I thought I'd better wear something decent. Pulling out my treasured Italian suit and inserting a nicely folded pocket square, I was alone but waited for my participants to come.

Half an hour later, a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman was the first attendee. So I greeted him warmly and said, "Good evening, sir. You are early."

His eyes darted all over the room, and not for a moment did he look at me and say, "Yeah, I know. Hey, listen, can I get a can of beer here?"

My goodness, this gentleman mistook me for a waiter.

I secretly laughed and, with a warm smile, responded, "Why, of course. I will get one for you." So I looked for a can of beer, gave it to him, and said, "Enjoy the beer, sir."

He reached for the can without looking at me and gave a cursory, "Thanks!"

That was one of the funniest moments in my entire career.

Imagine his face when the attendees came and the emcee introduced me as the evening's keynote speaker. I kid you not, but you should have seen how his face flushed red, surely not because of the beer but because of sheer embarrassment.