Page 275 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

yourself. You may get the best rates as per your judgment and confirm
with the banks. You need not to ask me for confirmation. Simply let me
know the rate agreed for my information only." This was a display of trust
in great contrast with earlier company where they insisted me to speak
to the dealer for five to ten minutes to negotiate the best exchange rate
even for small amount of USD 10,000 oblivious of the fact that dealers
do not give rates for USD 10,000, their staff gave the card rates fixed in
the morning with no scope of negotiation for better rates. They had no
time to gossip as their phone lines are ringing with calls from several
customers in waiting at the same time.

He insisted that I must keep SGD 1000 cash always with me for office
expenses and customer hospitality requirements and just keep record of
expenses in a file for accounting purpose. He never ever questioned any
expenses compared to no such freedom in the earlier company where
"spend first and claim later" policy was strictly followed. The working
climate was very cordial and friendly here. I was feeling much better in
the new found environment.

Insights from the episode

1. Better environment makes you feel better, once you feel better, you
perform the best.

2. Every company has its own culture. That sometimes becomes a
biggest differentiator for the employees.
3. "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who
empower others." -Bill Gates

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272 | A Banker down the Rabbit Hole