Ask Not What X Can Do For Your Country

I heard a great story about a meeting with a former member of parliament (MP) in an African country that I have to share.

There was this person ("X") who was meeting with the MP in order to learn more about the MP's country and the organizations the MP was running.  Due to a minor miscommunication, the MP thought X was from a company looking to do business in the MP's country. 

Accordingly, the MP started the conversation by informing X of all the power, influence, and friends in high places the MP had.  X was very confused, not really understanding what the MP was talking about, nor why.

As the conversation progressed, X realized the misconception.  X gingerly tried clarifying the situation.  As X explained that the intent wasn't to make a profit, the MP's demeanor immediately betrayed irritation and a complete loss of interest.

Once it became clear that X was indeed considering an investment, only a charitable one, in the MP's country, the MP's level of interest started simmering once more.

The situation fully straightened out, the MP proceded to directly ask X not what X could do for the MP's country, but what X could do for the MP.

True story.