How to make friends and influence people.
Posted by todd Thu, 30 Jun 2005 14:21:00 GMT
Have you ever watched that Jim Carrey movie "Liar Liar"?
Remember the scene where Carrey, the lawyer who cannot lie, gets tricked into going to an executive meeting and proceeds to bash people?
That was me yesterday.
Since a lot of people who read my drivel don't actually know me I'll give some background information first. I have a bad, well documented habit of speaking plainly, especially in a business setting. If we disagree on something, you will know it, even if you are my superior.
Women tell me it's because I'm an Aries.
Also, I'm a smartass.
At any rate, this inevitably either gets me fired, or promoted. I've had it go both ways. This is why I'm starting my own company; I know how to take me.
So yesterday, I wind up in a meeting of the company bigwigs, far and away the lowest person on the totem pole. In fact, I was the only person there that didn't have "Senior", "Vice", or "Chief" in their title. The CEO in particular, is known for being quite.... crass? He has no problems swearing in meetings. In fact, I've heard him say "Fuck you is ok, fuck me is sexual harassment".
I like the guy!
So there's the CEO, doing his thing, pushing hard on this guy who is presenting a business case. The guy presenting was new, and had this sort of weird look on his face as the CEO was questioning him. Finally, CEO guy says "Ok Mike, what is it you are thinking but not saying... Is it "Fuck you John?"".
You know how sometimes Homer Simpson says things outloud that he meant to say to himself?
I said, outloud, "It's a pretty common thought Mike".
Silence.
Silence.
Massive Laughter (luckily including the CEO).
I really didn't mean to say it. Vice Presidents came and high fived me in my office later.
The CEO may try and run me over with a surfboard, again, but hey, I got a zinger!
This is why I don't work for large companies. I would be dead.
That is too awesome! It must be the Aries or the smartass or both because I’ve done the same thing…many many times. Sad thing is I do work for large companies…maybe that’s why I’ve had to change jobs so many times….hmmm, worth reflecting on I think.
I knew there was something I liked about you.
I always say what is on my mind. For the most part I’ve met with huge success. Good thing I’m going to be a lawyer.
BTW. Would you mind if I provided a link to your Blog on mine? You’re fun to read and not too hard on the eyes.