On a foggy autumn morning I popped in a training the project I managed was funding for a group of law enforcement officials. The trainer – a team member – knew that I will be coming. I took a seat in the back of the room, intending to silently observe.

A minute later, the trainer announced my presence: “my boss is here!” Good-buy to discrete-me, as everyone turned their heads to see “his boss”. The trainer then asked if I would be willing to join one of the trainees groups, as he was about to start the role plays. “Sure!”, I said and joined a group, with everyones’ eyes on me.

We finished the task and I made myself comfortable in the chair, intending to switch to “discrete-me” mode again. 

– Oxana, would you like to present to the class the outcome of your group’s discussion?

And I did.

– I hope I still have a job tomorrow, said the trainer afterwards, to everyone’s big laugh. 

Next time, I thought to myself, I will settle for a video-recording of trainings. And yes, he did still have a job the next day, and couple of years after.