I spent three years at the American Club in Singapore – an enormous ‘expat’ club on Scott’s Road with multiple restaurants, swimming pool, tennis courts, squash, gym, spa, and even a bowling alley. Part of my remit was managing the programme of special events. As we provided a home away from home for Americans in Singapore, it was important that we properly celebrated all US special occasions such as Thanksgiving, Super Bowl, 4th July, and Halloween.
On one particular kid’s Halloween party, I was setting up with my Events Manager Joan who was getting more and more stressed. We had 700 kids arriving imminently and we were far from ready.
I went off to brief the reception team, but when I came back I heard raised voices coming from the staircase going up to the ballroom.
And there was Joan – dressed as a giant pumpkin with a green felt hat and shoes, hands on hips, balling out the banqueting manager who was dressed as Count Dracula. They had no idea how comical they looked (and didn’t appreciate my sniggers from the bottom of the stairs).
Have you ever had to discipline anyone whilst dressed as a comedy chicken (or similar)?
LESSON: NEVER SHOUT AT A COLLEAGUE WHEN DRESSED AS A GIANT PUMPKIN.