Footinmouthtillitis

Some people just have that unfortunate disease at the most unfortunate time.

We have a new head honcho. He's a local Singaporean, very easy-going, and a stellar businessman. With such a unique combination of traits and abilities, he is a big hit. He was based in Tokyo for some years but has since returned to Singapore to helm the business, of which much fanfare was created.

So I happened to be in the lift with him and he was deep in discussion with another person. At the 5th floor, the door opened and in came someone who immediately recognised the new big boss and he was happily cutting into the what-seemed-to-be-a-serious conversation.

Stupid is as stupid does: Hey [insert big boss' name]! How are you? Are visiting or are you based here now?
Big boss: (looking a bit startled) Oh, hello. Yes, I've moved back here.
SaSD: Oh good. So didn't like Tokyo that much, eh?
BB: Tokyo was nice. I enjoyed Japan while I was there.
SaSD: So, what are you doing now? Still taking care of [insert business unit name]?
BB: Er, no actually. I am now General Manager of [insert region].
SaSD: Really?! Oh I didn't know that.

Moral of the story is - actually there are more than one:

1. Do not expose your ignorance to a lift full of people (someone in that crowd might blog about your stupidity), and least of all to the head honcho (wrong impression to make, dude).
2. Do not interrupt a conversation, especially if you are not part of the discussion and you have no urgency to do so.
3. Unless you grew up (and shared food and other growing-up memories) with the head honcho, do not be thinking you and him are best buds, no matter how nice the guy is.
4. Read the internal news portal so you know who's signing your pay cheque.