On making a good first impression

On making a good first impression

What's it to be? The back stairs down from our first floor office to the kitchen, or a big entrance down the newly installed spiral staircase?

The spiral staircase that takes you down to the newsroom and past all the managers, backlit by the floor-to-ceiling windows with views over open countryside down to the Thames.

I've made an effort. Pressed trousers, clean shirt and tasteful tie. No more the slob in jeans, T-shirt and trainers. It's high time I made an impression on the people that matter in this organisation. Even the shoes have been polished.

So: Down the spiral staircase, looking stately and business-like holding a clipboard with the day's meeting agenda.

A nod to the editor-du-jour and a smile in return.

And then, my newsroom colleague deflates me with two simple words:

"You're flying."

Arse. Arse. ARSE. ARSE.