Another meeting...an introduction to a new project coming up 6 months later where even the requirements are not finalized. I wonder why it is held in the first place. Never mind. As I have no choice but to attend it i will. The most important job to be done before the meeting
commences is to grab the corner most seat in the last row n if time permits...dim the lights n to increase the temparature (to make the surroundings more friendly than in Alaska or Siberia) These ensure better sleeping conditions without being caught rather noticed.
Meetings never start on time. There would be a delay of atleast 10mins(Knowledge gained through experience). This one was scheduled at 3pm. I was in the meeting room by 3:05 to make the environment sleep friendly but to my greatest shock all but the front row was already occupied...sure signs of martyrdom. No other option left but to settle in the front row right infront of the speaker and the screen....Perfecto!!!
Options available to me under these hostile conditions:
1. To actually listen to all that no sense nonsense(impossible!!!)
2. To doze off with my eyes open(mmm....next to impossible. Wish i was somehow related to fish in this matter. Moreover i cant insult the speaker with my dozing off with my eyes closed you see:D)
3. Fake a phone call n walk out of the meeting (ahha!!! Im a genius)
Just as I was working on my brilliant scheme and thinking how long i should sit on that "thorne" chair before taking the "really urgent" phone call...ticket to my freedom, who could come n sit next to me but my manager(damager):(. One look at him and I knew I was doomed in that front row till my life was totally sucked out or if things get better and I get even close to be lucky....till the discussion ends before I vapourize completely. In short Im finished....fineeto!!!I was left with no other option but to keep myself awake and actually listen if not atleast fake it. Finally the much dreaded meeting commenced. My mind was all focused only on one task...not to fall asleep and it was a real struggle.
Ways to keep myself awake:
1. Playing a game on my mobile phone...would be too obvious both to my manager and the speaker so ruled out.
2. To pick up my scribbling pad and start scribbling something more interesting.....a really good option as it would look like Im taking notes which inturn would imply Im actually listening (im a real genius...yeah!!!)
Hence my 'To Do' list before any meeting has a new entry... To carry a scribbling pad and a pen. Just as I was wondering what to pen down, my manager received an urgent call from his manager to attend some other meeting. As soon as my manager left, within few minutes I too received a 'really urgent' phone call and walked out alive:D
Moral of the story is 'Luck always favours the prepared mind':)