All Rank, No Leadership

I was recently assigned to man the registration desk for a multi-day event, serving the exhibitors. There were organizations from a variety of potential future places where someone graduating from either high school or college might want to work. Recruiters, sales people, school counselors, regional managers, VPs, tradesmen, you name it, were all together for a couple of days so people could see what opportunities are available to someone just starting their life after graduation.

Most booth spaces included two exhibitor passes with the price of their rental agreement and more could be purchased as desired. It was pretty standard for a trade show. A regular 10′ x 10′ booth generally allowed for two representatives to work the crowd, plus it also allowed them to take turns running to the bathroom, getting some food, and talking to visitors as they entered the booth.

Among colleges, businesses, and trades, all branches of the military were represented. Most branches had assigned their booth workers for the three days and pre-registered everyone. It made check-in seamless. Scan bar code, print badge, go to exhibit hall. Done.

There was one branch, however, that was a bit less organized. They had four exhibitor passes linked with their booth. On day one, three “big-wigs” registered and went in to get things ready. A little while later, two baby-faced, uniformed men came in. They were just told to get dressed, drive on over, and staff the booth for today. Because three passes were already accounted for, all I could do was register one, but the other would need to pay for an additional booth pass. I thought the two of them might cry. I felt so bad for them. These poor guys were literally told put on their dress uniform and get in the car. They had no idea what they’d be doing, for how long, or why, let alone who they should contact in this situation.

Luckily, before things got too out of hand, one of the “big-wigs” happened to walk by. We were able to flag him down and get things figured out. After a brief conversation with the young men, one was registered and the other went home.

Day two of the conference, another young uniformed gentleman walked in. He also had no idea what he was here to do or for how long, but was told to get dressed and come over. At this point all four booth passes had been spoken for, so unless he wanted to purchase one, he’d need to contact someone, or head home. A few minutes later, out came Mr. Big-Wig and off they went. It was a little suspect that this new guy might be using the badge of yesterday’s recruit, but I wasn’t going to chase anyone down.

Guess what happened on day three? Same thing. Another fresh young man in uniform came to the desk expecting to pick up a badge only to be told by me that all four of the booth passes had been assigned and he’d need to purchase another one or talk to somebody. Again, out came Mr. Big-Wig and off they went. I assume this young man used the same badge as the previous two guys. Whatever. As long as there is only one person using the badge each day and only one guy having lunch each day, what do I care if his name is Brad or James or Robert?

But, c’mon Mr. Big-Wig. For someone who worked in an industry where preparedness is essential, why be so unorganized and non-communicative with these poor youngsters. Not only did he make these guys get dressed, drive over, and get told they couldn’t be registered, I had to be the one to tell them that information. He made these men feel embarrassed as they assumed everything was in order, and me feel like a horrible human to tell our men in uniform that they couldn’t have access because someone above them screwed up. If I could have paid for every single one, I would have.

We’re a military family for generations. I respect the sacrifice these men and women make on so many levels that most people can’t even comprehend. I’m not calling out which branch, but Mr. Big-Wig, where’s the leadership?

Have you ever experienced a situation like this? What did you do?
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