mgedwards – Page 248

I eat crow

Well, I was wrong. The Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros are going to the World Series. Two teams that fell outside the pantheon of baseball’s professional playoff teams will get their chance in the Big Dance. The Astros will make their first World Series appearance in team history (44 seasons); the White Sox will try for their first World Series victory since 1917, a longer span of time than the Boston Red Sox’ World Series curse. Even though I did not believe either team could make it to the Series this year, I am happy to be wrong. This is a World Series I will enjoy. I may not be able to watch the games live on television because I live 13 hours from the East Coast of the United States, but I may try to tune in for some highlights on ESPN. I don’t really prefer either of the two teams. I tend to favor the American League, but I’m happy to see that Houston finally made it to the Series for the first time. Plus, my predictions of flat seem to have fallen a bit short, so I’ll pass choosing a winner (OK, Houston in seven). I still believe however that Major League Baseball is an organization with far too many inequities.

I fell ill yesterday and have been feeling under the weather. I think it’s a cold. I’m tired and have a sore throat. My son had it, then my wife, now me. This week has not been as hectic as it was last week at work, but I think it caught up with me. I just hope that this illness doesn’t worsen or carry on for more than a few days. My son is now asleep, so for me it’s now bedtime. Goodnight!

The art of meeting and greeting

Tonight I was at a meet and greet. I was the primary greeter, the first person most guests met when they arrived to the event. I was happy and honored to have a chance to meet so many important guests and usher them into the party, but I also felt a bit rusty. I haven’t been involved in these kinds of soirees since last July. The event was a prelude to another large event I have to host next Sunday. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to practice. I felt awkward trying to greet all the guests, coming up to them, extending a hand and introducing myself, welcoming them, and ushering them to the sign-in table.

I learned a few things tonight about the fine art of meeting and greeting people, and I thought I would share them with you in case you have to do the same.

In Asia, be sure to bow your head when you shake hands. I did not realize I wasn’t bowing my head until a Korean coworker pointed out Korean protocol. This courtesy is an especially important one to remember when you’re in Asia. In other cultures, follow the protocol of the local culture. If you don’t know, ask someone who knows how to make a proper introduction.
Be in the line of sight when the guest(s) arrive. Don’t stand off to the side where they can’t see you. Come up to them and try to get their attention, but don’t block their way.
Meet the one in a group who appears to be the most important person. A group of people who enter together pace themselves with the group leader. Find that person, meet and greet them, and help them on their way. The rest will follow their lead.
Make sure you get the person on their way. Make sure you don’t leave the person stranded and left alone to figure what they need to do next. Help them get to their next destination, such as signing in, or hand them off to another escort.
Make chit chat, but not chat. Try to say something nice to the person to make them feel welcome, but don’t get bogged down in a conversation that will tie you down.
Don’t be afraid to get reinforcements. When possible, have at least two greeters at the door. Often, many people will come at once, and they will all need your attention.
Let the speeders pass you by. Occasionally someone will pass you quickly without acknowledge you. Let them go. They have better things to do.

Blog Notes: One of the people I met up with tonight reads this blog. They read my entry last night about the new U.S. Ambassador and thought it might have been a bit too, well, praiseworthy. Actually, I really do hold the Ambassador and his wife in high regard. It really wasn’t a vain attempt at lavishing too much praise on someone. I really meant what I wrote about him. I have a lot of respect for a couple such as Ambassador and Mrs. Vershbow, who are both very accomplished in their own right. One engages in foreign policy, and the other exhibits their professional artwork. I usually work a long day, come home, and spend time with my family. A couple such as the Vershbows are exceptional and an inspiration.

Korea welcomes a new Ambassador

Last January, I asked the question, "Who will be the new United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea?" At the time, I had no idea. As of today, the answer is Ambassador Alexander Vershbow. Ambassador Vershbow previously served as Ambassador to the Russian Federation and as Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Ambassador and his wife, Lisa Vershbow, arrived yesterday in Seoul. After receiving his diplomatic credentials from Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, he began his duties as the new U.S. Ambassador to Korea. Korea is one of the U.S.’ most important allies and biggest trading partners, so it is very positive news that the new Ambassador has arrived. Korea also recently appointed a new Ambassador to the United States, Lee Tae-sik. Now, both men will be able to help strengthen U.S.-Korean bilateral relations.

Ambassador Vershbow earned his bachelor’s degree at Yale University and master’s degree at Columbia University. A career diplomat, he is an expert on Russian and Eastern European Affairs, a background that will help him as he focuses on the Korean Peninsula, home to one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. He is also an accomplished drummer and has jammed with several well-known musicians, including Tommy Ramone of the Ramones. Mrs. Vershbow is a professional jewelry designer and metalsmith, and her artwork is now on display at the Insa Art Plaza Gallery in Seoul. Welcome, Ambassador and Mrs. Vershbow!