blog

The Petrogas Conference 2008 took place last week and for the first time I didn't even come close to dozing off during the bosses presentation. Not even close. In fact I would have to say I found it positively invigorating.

A large assembly of Petrogas people from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK were addressed by the directors and members of the operations, trading and developments teams interspersed with some fun and games, lunch, several coffee breaks and a most interesting feedback forum along the lines of my favourite TV programme, Questions and Answers.

The boss had entrusted me with making sure there was fresh coffee available at all times. Of course the one time he decided to drink a cup, it had just run out leaving me looking very bad. I could hear him muttering as he headed for the tea something about "I ask him to look after just one thi......"

The venue for the conference,the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on the Naas Road, has a stunning collection of original Graham Knuttel paintings each of which depicts a former Taoiseach of Ireland in an unusual and sometimes very funny context. Personally I thought they provided a perfect backdrop for the days proceedings. The boss has the cut of a politician and he can certainly motivate. I left the place feeling uplifted and ready for anything the complaints department could throw at me.

I knew afterwards when the boss never mentioned the coffee incident that he was pleased with the day as well. He say's the secret to success is to have passionate people who care. Thinking this was a good moment to catch him in a good mood I asked him if the complaints department could do a presentation next year. He said if the complaints department had enough material for a presentation I wasn't doing my job properly, and besides, next year I would be in charge of the cloakroom. I suppose if I think poitively, I could consider that a promotion.