I’m sitting opposite a man.
He’s probably in his early forties, and he’s one of those commuters who carries no briefcase; no rucksuck; no bag of any kind. He doesn’t read a book, or a free evening newspaper. He just toys with his mobile, sending and reading text messages.
His suit screams cheap, and his tie reminds me of something I wore at school rather than something I’d choose to wear.
On the lapel of his suit he wears an oval metal badge. In the middle is a star. Around the edge it reads “Superstar Performer 2006-7.”
I silently thank any listening deities that I don’t have to work in a job where they hand out badges like that to “Superstar Performers.” There’s certainly nothing wrong in praising high-achievers and handing out merit awards. My employer hands out “Hero Awards” and “Sales Person of the Month” trophies. Winners accept the acclaim of their co-workers. It’s deserved and appreciated.
But really! Having to wear it on a badge, on your commute home?