The Importance of Being Important

The Importance of Being Important

Even in these times of austerity, status symbols are as important as ever…

 

Me: “You’re looking a bit low down at your desk.”

 

My boss: “I know. I think the gas thing on my chair is faulty. It sinks down every time I move.”

 

Me: “Can it be fixed?”

 

My boss: “I don’t know. It’s not very comfortable anyway. There’s a metal bar that I can feel with the back of my legs. It makes my feet go numb.”

 

Me: “It sounds like you need a new chair then.”

 

My boss: “I’m not getting a new one, they’re too expensive.”

 

Me: “Well why don’t you get one like mine?”

 

My boss: “No no no, I couldn’t possibly have one like yours; I need a high back leather director’s chair.”

 

Me: “Why?”

 

My boss: “Because I’m a director.”

 

Me: “Yes, I know you are, but it’s important to be comfortable. This chair is fine.”

 

My boss: “People would think it was strange if I had a cheap little chair like yours.”

 

Me: “I don’t think they’d even think about it.”

 

My boss: “Look. I’m a director. Directors have director’s chairs to show who they are; end of conversation.”

 

Me: “OK”

 

I made no further comment as he sank down a further two inches before getting up and hobbling out of the office.