Sometimes I Feel I’ve Got To Run Away (110)

It was 1993 when the iconic film Coneheads, directed by Steve Barron and based on Saturday Night Live sketches, was released to an adoring audience, including me. Lots of silliness, sweetness, and great music. I just watched it again recently and it still makes me laugh. The David Spade character is a minor player but his role is one of my favorite parts. So much like people I have seen everywhere I worked.

First, everything he does is for his own ultimate benefit. Now I know most of us handle our careers with a self centered interest and there’s nothing wrong with that. But there is always that one person, hanging close to the boss, managing the boss’ ego. The rest of the workers know exactly what is going on but the boss always seems oblivious. And, somehow that person has everything timed perfectly so when the boss moves up, they move up. Or, when the boss is replaced, they get a job with the new boss, doing just what they were doing but at a higher pay level.

Have you seen this happen at your workplace?

The second thing about that person is they always intervene or act as a middleman. No one else can get close to the boss. If you have a great idea, you can’t talk to the boss, you have to tell the ‘David Spade’ and let them pass it on. Of course, the idea then becomes their idea and they get credit and, you guessed it, a raise.

The third part is most funny to me. They always have to have the last word. I’ve had some fun with people like this before by always adding one more word of my own just to see how far they will go. There have been some e mail threads that are long beyond belief because I fool with people like ‘David Spade.’ Example: me “I’ll work on the report and have it ready for proof.” Them, “I’ll review it and send it on.” Me, “Thanks” Them, “It’s OK” Me, “I’ll send it this afternoon.” Them, “I’ll look at it as soon as you send it.” Me, “Around 2:00.” Them, “Good.” Me, “Thanks.” Them, “No Worries.” Me, “No, really, I appreciate it.” Them “My pleasure.” Me, “You’re too kind.” Them, “Only for you.” Me, “Thanks again.” And this can go on all day. They just can’t let anyone have the last thank you or the last word on anything, either e-mail or verbal.

Anyway, the Coneheads movie has so many good laughs in it I would recommend if you haven’t seen it or have time to see it again, give it a view.

Wishing you many laughs and hoping that, in your own life and in your own way, you manage to ‘Narfle the Garthok.’