Wall Street demands revenue
Remember Yahoo?
Words by J. B. Everett
Wall Street demands revenue
Remember Yahoo?
Words by J. B. Everett
A couple of weeks ago, after I lamented the loss of Mr. Rogers, a friend took me to task. He said, “Um you know there JB, you aren’t always, um. Nevermind. Gentle.”
It’s true. I can be a pushy, bossy, know-it-all. I was, and probably always will be a Hermione. Years of consulting didn’t help. In the consulting biz, unwavering certainty that one’s opinion is fact, is a highly marketable skill. A wise mentor once advised me that I could be hard on issues without being so hard on people. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Everyone thought I was a b%*$#, and I justified it by accomplishing things. It was more than expedient, it was necessary. Or was it?
Leaving the business world brought out my better side. Without the pressure to perform, I don’t have to push so hard. These days, most people think I’m fairly personable. Perky, even. But that other side of me–my evil twin–is still there. I’m the product of a Chihuahua and a Malamute, lots of yap and endless determination. And if it’s required I will bite the crap out of your ankle, even if you’re twice my size. Seriously.
I can be a b%*$#. I freely admit it. Lately, my evil twin has made several guest appearances. I’m not an indiscriminate b%*$#, however. The hulk only emerges when provoked. Here is what is triggers the green meanie in me:
I’m not being nice? Tough patootie. Here’s my philosophy, If you’re going to be a b%*$#, you better bring it. Deliver the goods. It’s not a justification, but it’s a start.
What do I do that’s so bad? I ask for what I need. I ask what is possible, and I expect people to follow through on their agreements.
I also give. I give lots of credit and appreciation when people come through. I give them the benefit of the doubt when they don’t. I give them the right to say, “I can’t do x”, when they follow it up with “but I can do y.”
If that’s a b%*$#, then I’ll wear the tiara. Because when the chips are down, I know who they’re going to call. And when they do I will bring it.
Words by J. B. Everett
Rule with elbows extended
And minds tightly shut
Words by J. B. Everett
Photograph by Taran Rampersand