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I think it important to be in touch with all walks of life, with all ages, of different peoples. It’s been an education.
And the internet, my god, it’s potential!
So, if it is permitted here, and can be thought of as a wrinkle in the scope of this site, of how minds work, and why, it’d be a glimpse of the person behind the posters.
But, if this type of thread is not for material here, c'est la vie, I understand.
In my travels thru Asia and the Americas, I’ve acquired many acquaintances that continue today.
I’ve been in session with people representing most corners of the world, at one table, and once the crust of false détente is removed, they are just individuals. People with families. People with concerns, of which once business is set aside, tend to open up, like a fine wine, if you’re a good listener.
My natural demeanor is on the humble side.
When visiting factories, I’d dress down, wearing a sweater with wranglers and soft shoes.
This tactic, because I represented money, and potential for their success, would keep communication avenues more open, than if I’d worn a three piece suit….and it was comfortable, which enabled me to think more clearly when in negotiation.
In my factory visits, I tend to bring my own flavor of down home warmth, as I am somewhat of a largish huggy guy. And I find it amusing to check the reaction of a rather gruff individual after one of my close encounters.
One gentleman, gnarly, road map of a face, well dressed, stoic, cadre surrounding his perimeter, sat unmoved thru a bladder buster meeting at a main land factory in China. I sought him out afterwards, and struck up conversation with him thru interpretation, culminating in a one-way hug. Nothing.
I walked away thinking you can’t win ‘em all.
Couple days later I was touring a factory and noticed him at the other end of the main production floor. Once he noticed me, his arms stretched out as he made his way across the factory towards me.
Warm hug, long warm hug.
His.
Back pats.
Big smiles.
No words however.
An enhanced tour commenced. A glorious meal followed.
Turns out he ran the show at that rather large golf bag factory.
People at their machines kept their heads down as we passed.
As I and my broker got in the private car to go back to the hotel, he came rushing out and gave me another hug.
I remember his watery eyes as he spoke his only words, halting words, directly to me that day, eye to eye.
“Preasa, come back.”
My broker chattered away at him. His face went back to stone and he walked away.
I heard later that he had a wife in half a dozen countries, so I wasn’t his main squeeze, but I’d like to think he got a glimpse of down home America, and his hug deficiency was a bit sated....and maybe America was not just about money.........
Your turn
If glory comes after death, I'm not in any hurry...
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