Leading on the Frontline

25Do not judge 

How racism gave way to compassion in a Burmese refugee camp in Thailand

As I walked into the lobby of the gleaming tower block in Bangkok that housed Manpower’s offices, I wondered how Simon’s staff would cope in the mud and squalor of the refugee camps. It was beautifully cool inside. There was a small coffee shop just inside the entrance where smartly dressed office workers were sipping cappuccinos and chatting. I took a lift to the first floor and walked through the automatic glass doors. Inside, all was quiet efficiency, hushed and carpeted, a relief from the buzz and bustle of the busy city streets. An organised, high-tech world of computers, multimedia projectors and whiteboards. Rows of gleaming white tables and chairs in bright, vibrant colours to inspire the team creatively.

The receptionist beamed at me. ‘Linda, we’ve been expecting you. Let me show you to the meeting room.’

A minute later, staff members began to gather in the room. They were young and fashionably dressed, the men in pastel shirts with contrasting ties, the women in pretty summer dresses and high heels. They brought with them a whiff of expensive aftershave and perfume.

Simon strode in with a cheerful ‘Sawadee ka!’ to everyone, then shook my hand warmly. ‘What a great turnout. I’m delighted!’

After introducing me, Simon asked if any of them could tell him what Manpower’s four pillars of social responsibility were. Eee, the marketing manager, called out from the back of the room.

‘Workforce ...