El Jefe, our Founder/CEO, is kind of a cult figure around these parts. He is a well-loved and gregarious person who loves interacting with all his employees, hearing what they have to say and imparting his wisdom, whether they ask for it or not. Whether one-on-one or while addressing large groups, El Jefe is a man who is not afraid to provide his vision and opinions, however controversial, on diverse matters using the time-tested metaphors of cricket, sex, or his underwear (no, really). In short, he talks a lot and walks the talk.

Now, I have nothing to do with top management and prefer it stays that way. Which is why it did cause me some consternation when I was waiting for the lift at work and along came El Jefe, also waiting for the lift. Ordinarily, he would be accompanied by one of the other biggies or would find someone around to talk to, but on this occasion he was all alone and not on the phone. And I was the only other person around. Awkwardness ensued.

Me: Good morning.

El Jefe: Good morning. I don’t believe we’ve met…

Me: I’m Jaskon. I’m part of the so-and-so team and I’ve been working here for so-and-so long.

[I offer my hand. He shakes it]

El Jefe: Good to meet you.

[Slightly awkward silence. He notices my three-week growth of facial hair and decides to use that as a humourous ice-breaker]

El Jefe: Hey, just how hard is it to shave daily, boss?

Me: Heh. I’m just a bit lazy about it.

El Jefe: But you do bathe daily, right?

Me: (warily) Yes…

El Jefe: (sarcastically) So if it’s too much trouble to shave daily, then why bother bathing daily?

Me: I’ve run out of deodorant.

[Very awkward silence]

He said nothing more. Neither did I. I could hear the crickets chirping as we got into the lift together and until he got off at his floor, after which I sighed a huge sigh of relief.

Two days later, we got a company-wide email from HR on revised dress codes. It included a section on the grooming of male facial hair that was definitely not there before.

Coincidence? I haven’t the courage to ask.

URL (UnRelated Link): Yay! New 4 chords!

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