So I might as well get it over with; the reckoning.
I broached the subject last evening and now just want to be rid of the memory.
I had every intention of labeling this post "The Bully" or "Mean Mister M----" or something similar, but upon further reflection this man does not even merit the time necessary for a witty title. No, no. Simply put he is an *.
NOTE: I am borrowing from Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions here with the use of an asterisk to convey the very nature of this man (i.e. he's just an asshole).
While I could tell you the stories that surround this man, I'd prefer to take a different approach since (1) you wouldn't believe me anyway and (2) he's not worth the time or effort or energy.
Instead, I'll use a sneaky little trick I learned from a Chief for revealing who is a dirtbag to review boards via a seemingly good performance report.
- Arrogant; thinks he is the best at everything to include public speaking, being an EMT (even though that was 25 years ago), leading, writing, running marathons, woodworking, planning, coordinating, directing, being interesting, preparing for anything, drawing on dry erase boards, PowerPoint, storytelling, single-handedly saving the Pentagon on 9/11, bombing Iraq without being a pilot, etc.
- Sinister; a total snake in the grass! Watch your back since he's always angling for advancement via tours, presentations, and briefings to the boss
- Self-absorbed; frequently reminds everyone that he could have been a one-star general, but took one for the team and allowed his wife to pursue her dream of teaching as a PhD at the U; additionally, devotes time to attend his two daughters' swimming meets...wouldn't want to sit next to him in the bleachers!!!
- Hated; his pontifications and long sermons are unparalleled; once held senior captains and majors captive for 75-minute lecture on preparing for an inspection and what aircraft maintenance is really about (him, duh)
- Oblivious; perfect AF leader...has no idea how anyone really feels about him and the lack of disrespect they harbor when he is around
- Loathed; should be careful around offsite activities with butter knives since you can't ever trust those depot guys when they've been trapped for hours listening to a know-it-all
- Egotistic; never mind your opinion, this guy has it on lockdown! Did I mention that he single-handedly saved the country not once, but twice?
All joking aside, what I really wanted to put for E was empty. I feel sorry for the guy who has to bully a first lieutenant and put down all of his coworkers. It must be incredibly lonely being so smart and well-educated and successful.
The worst part? I bet he could be a really great guy if he was willing to stomach a huge piece of humble pie. I think Jim Collins' was right in Good to Great when he makes the distinction between professional will and personal humility. There needs to be a balance if you are going to be an effective leader.
I want to end with Tao verse 68, though, since it seems entirely appropriate for the topic at hand:
I broached the subject last evening and now just want to be rid of the memory.
I had every intention of labeling this post "The Bully" or "Mean Mister M----" or something similar, but upon further reflection this man does not even merit the time necessary for a witty title. No, no. Simply put he is an *.
NOTE: I am borrowing from Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions here with the use of an asterisk to convey the very nature of this man (i.e. he's just an asshole).
Screenshot: Still makes me laugh; I never did finish this book though...
While I could tell you the stories that surround this man, I'd prefer to take a different approach since (1) you wouldn't believe me anyway and (2) he's not worth the time or effort or energy.
Instead, I'll use a sneaky little trick I learned from a Chief for revealing who is a dirtbag to review boards via a seemingly good performance report.
- Arrogant; thinks he is the best at everything to include public speaking, being an EMT (even though that was 25 years ago), leading, writing, running marathons, woodworking, planning, coordinating, directing, being interesting, preparing for anything, drawing on dry erase boards, PowerPoint, storytelling, single-handedly saving the Pentagon on 9/11, bombing Iraq without being a pilot, etc.
- Sinister; a total snake in the grass! Watch your back since he's always angling for advancement via tours, presentations, and briefings to the boss
- Self-absorbed; frequently reminds everyone that he could have been a one-star general, but took one for the team and allowed his wife to pursue her dream of teaching as a PhD at the U; additionally, devotes time to attend his two daughters' swimming meets...wouldn't want to sit next to him in the bleachers!!!
- Hated; his pontifications and long sermons are unparalleled; once held senior captains and majors captive for 75-minute lecture on preparing for an inspection and what aircraft maintenance is really about (him, duh)
- Oblivious; perfect AF leader...has no idea how anyone really feels about him and the lack of disrespect they harbor when he is around
- Loathed; should be careful around offsite activities with butter knives since you can't ever trust those depot guys when they've been trapped for hours listening to a know-it-all
- Egotistic; never mind your opinion, this guy has it on lockdown! Did I mention that he single-handedly saved the country not once, but twice?
All joking aside, what I really wanted to put for E was empty. I feel sorry for the guy who has to bully a first lieutenant and put down all of his coworkers. It must be incredibly lonely being so smart and well-educated and successful.
The worst part? I bet he could be a really great guy if he was willing to stomach a huge piece of humble pie. I think Jim Collins' was right in Good to Great when he makes the distinction between professional will and personal humility. There needs to be a balance if you are going to be an effective leader.
I want to end with Tao verse 68, though, since it seems entirely appropriate for the topic at hand:
Photo: What's a little Tao without some birch trees?!
Photo: I just hope I never turn out to be like this guy.
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment