Boss Management
It is well known that interpreters are employed when important dignitaries meet internationally in formal discussions. But sometimes they have to perform rather out-of-the-way functions. Leslie McLoughlin had a long career of translating the conversations during meetings in which British Cabinet members conferred with dignitaries of Middle East countries. He has now written a book in which he narrates how he was on duty for Lord Home of Hirsel, the then British Foreign Secretary, when he was visited by a Gulf foreign minister. The host, Lord Home was well known for his sense of humour and was rather sensitive to his guests responding to his humour with appropriate laughter. So McLoughlin told the gulf dignitary in advance that, at a certain point, Lord Home would make a joke and McLoughlin would give a signal to the dignitary. The idea was that at this, the dignitary would burst into laughter. The guest performed his role well and Lord Home felt very happy. McLoughlin was not worse off, too, in the bargain. Eventually, he was made an Ambassador. So now we all know what is needed for career advancement.