The current drift of this thread reminds me of my all too brief association with the "golden cage" of Shell Brunei.
Back then, the way ahead appeared to be a) ensure your golf handicap didn't beat the corking Aviation Manager or b) marry the daughter of the then Dutch Transport Manager. Either way your rise up the Shellie food chain was positively stellar!
I'm reminded also of lesson one in the Shell management guide book: "Eric, (not real name) you must learn to manage the Shell way, from the rear"!
with fraternal greetings,
ambi
