Originally uploaded by Eric Lorette
“I love you to bits,” began the important man in suspenders. He was clutching an expensive pen with both hands, here on a visit from the heart of the agency empire and staring nervously at the cup of Southeast Asian tap water before him. ”There’s just one thing that’s been bothering m… lots of people.”
“What’s that?”
“You never take notes in meetings.”
“Notes.”
“I’ve never seen anyone not take copious notes in meetings. It sends the wrong kind of message. It’s says that you don’t think what I say holds value. Like there’s nothing for you to learn from my… a global marketing “guru’s” 10 years of experience in this industry…” I did a quick search for a hidden camera and wondered if this entire job was some kind of elaborate prank by my previous employer.
“I’m not the only one talking about it. Oh no…”, he was now fiddling with his suspenders like some kind of colonial sheriff confronting a tribesman.
“You do realize that I have Attention Deficit Disorder,” I said.
“Oh god I’m sorry…”
“When I take notes, I can’t concentrate.”
“Oh dear, I’m really sorry. I guess it’s just your style. You might want to announce this at the start of all meetings so you don’t offend anyone.”
“I’ll write that down.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
In my notebook, I wrote: “Wanker.”
3 responses so far ↓
jean // April 26, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
i often take fake notes in meetings when i don’t need notes but need to look like i’m paying attention. they can be quite hilarious!
steve // April 27, 2009 at 11:39 am |
I used to take notes the day after the meeting. It drove people mad.
“But that way I only write what’s memorable” I’d say
“To you” they’d reply
“Exactly” would be my rejoineder
And ten years later I’m unemployed in Michigan….
irene // May 19, 2009 at 1:11 pm |
like the story.
i take notes. then lose them. or can’t decipher them. but it doesn’t matter, writing is a conduit for recording things to memory. maybe i should maybe get ink that fades out after a few hours – would save on paper.