Very often one recognizes the boss by the size and design of his office. The management level is the top level with the best view. The importance of the person can be measured by the amount of square metres assigned. The more square metres, the more important the person. And it does not matter that the person is hardly ever in the office. Status is status. Not that this phenomenon always applies. But in hierarchic companies it is still usual. In successful start-ups and democratically led companies, the boss puts himself at the same level as the employees and the phenomenon is lost.
When one visits a conference, something similar is repeating itself. The important people get the rooms with view to the lake or the sea or the suites, the others get whatever is left. On those occasions I am used to get rooms with windows to the yard, the kitchen or next the elevator engineering room, which also tend to be pretty small. Whatever. I am only in the room for a short while in order to sleep and brush my teeth. And then it really does not matter. And since I do not know the suites, I cannot even be jealous.
I went to an international congress in Noordwijk in the Netherlands. When I arrived, the receptionist gave me the keys for room number 1111 and the instruction to take the elevator on the left. I went to the elevator and realised that there were only ten floors. Where do I stay now? Is there a little tent city on the roof?
I walk back to the reception and the lady patiently explains that I have to take the elevator on the right or the left and then have to walk. I go up to the 10th floor and am curious to see what is expecting me. A room without window? When I get off the elevator and take the stairs to the 11th floor, I realise that I ended up with the suites. Oh my god, I think, that must be a mistake. Room 1111 is a flat about three times as big as my first flat. I am speechless, never before I stayed in such a luxurious room. And on top of that it has a fantastic view on the sea. And it is really my room because on the table I find a personal welcome note from the hotel manager. I enjoy the luxury for a few minutes and then call all my colleagues and invite them for a working meeting. They come and we work, have coffee, discuss things and the suite is well used. But is the importance really measured in square metres? Because then, I am important today!! But the next time I would know a better use for such a room.
On Friday I got up very early, put on my trainers and went jogging. It is a great feeling to jog on the empty beach against a gentle breeze, listen to the rumbling sea and to avoid the waves in the last moment. After jogging it’s time for a shower. In the bathroom I leave the door to the bedroom open. Why not, I am completely alone. Freshly showered with that pleasant feeling I am standing in front of the mirror and brushing my hair. Suddenly I see in the mirror a man behind me. I am not a coward but I do not want any onlookers in the bathroom. I turn around and realise that he is standing on my balcony. He slowly turns and walks on.
I sent a surprised email to the hotel manager. He immediately apologized. Yes, the windows need to be cleaned regularly but something like that should not happen.
Note, also suites can have their pitfalls.
Michaela Merz 