The scene was a lavish business function, the type we're seeing less and less of these days. Asked by an earnest professor at a prestigious business school what sort of unorthodox job skills he would wish on today's generation of MBAs, the CEO -- and the party's host -- thought a moment before flashing a wry grin. "They don't teach you how to be the bearer of bad tidings in business school," he said. "And I suppose all of us have learned a bit about that this year."

The professor looked around him at the spectacle of ice sculptures, flowing champagne, and a jazz band featuring a performance by a singer with a recent hit CD. "Surely there can't be all that much bad news for your company if you're capable of throwing a bash like this?"

The CEO nodded, as if in agreement, and slipped away -- but not before a parting word. "I'm glad you think so," he said, "since that is one point of this party."