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Published on November 19, 2007

But it would be difficult to let his staff wander around his office casually every day, especially in a big organisation like SCG with its long history and traditions.

So Kan says he uses the opportunity during SCG training sessions to get to know his staff and ask for their opinions as much as possible. This strategy aims to enhance SCG's goal of moving towards a regional conglomerate, and the secret of success is to ensure that every staff member, regardless of a age or background, is stepping forward in harmony.

"We should have unity to push the organisation together," Kan said.

During training sessions, Kan, in his early 50s, dresses casually in jeans to create an easygoing vibe to encourage his staff to speak out.

And Kan insists that he not be addressed as "Khun Kan" or "Than".

"I call myself Phi Kan [older brother Kan], and I call my staff Nong [younger brother or sister]."

Kan did not reveal whether the plan worked well in encouraging his staff to express their opinions directly to him, but one thing is certain: it creates a friendly atmosphere in SCG.

Plus Kan obviously feels rejuvenated after spending many hours in the office with senior executives in suits and ties.

Gay hotel haven

Certain hotels or insurance companies here may not welcome homosexual clients, but in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires the first five-star gay hotel in Latin America was opened to the enthusiasm of its targeted customers late last month.

The hotel, set near the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, is the second of its kind developed by Spain's Axel Corp, which opened a five-star gay hotel in Barcelona in 2003.

The owner said he had decided to develop this niche hotel after he was unfairly treated by other hotels. Once he asked a five-star hotel to provide him with a king-sized bed to share with his boyfriend, but the manager coldly told him that the bed was for married couples only and two male clients were supposed to sleep in two separate tiny beds, he was told. So he decided to shrug off this kind of unfair treatment and develop a special hotel for gay groups.

The interior of the gay hotel shows off trendy decorations. Other hotel guests want privacy, but this is not the case for this hotel. Instead of the sign "Do Not Disturb" on the door, this hotel has a sign "Please Disturb" instead.

From what we have seen from the TV news, the hotel should be a success as there is already a crowd of guests. The success of the hotel should serve as a lesson to companies here which have unfairly treated same-sex couples, even though this demographic group is one of the most promising group of customers.

 

Busdsk@nationgroup.com