Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Everybody just calm down


Ever since Lisa sent out this email yesterday, a lot of you have asked some serious questions. Questions like, "How will we ever get any work done without our managers?" and "Is 'off-site GLG strategy session' code for something else?" and "What happens if I dial that number and it's not an emergency? Is it some sort of leadership test?" and "Did someone throw out my lunch on Friday?"

Whoa. As E.Z. Brooks from A Different World famously quipped: "Take it down a thousand." Take a deep breath. Now another. Ok, one more. Now let them all out. And relax. Because everything just got solved by one little sentence: "Until then, Cliff is in-charge."

It's hard on a team when there's a leadership vacuum. But if there's one thing I know about vacuums, it's that they suck. Great things to the top, that is. And that's where you come in.

See, even I can't do this alone. I'm going to need some help. I'm looking for people who can think outside of the fox (like that!) People who can fill some key positions, such as:

  • Personal Executive Administrative Assistant (Esquire)
  • 7th-Level Magic User (No Illusionists, please)
  • Dirhector of Elizondo
  • VP of Strateginal Scaling Optimization
  • Someone who can get me some great dipping sauces
  • Mayor of Funkytown
Think you got what it takes? Choose a job that suits you. Then, in the comments section, tell me what you would bring to the role. Oh, and did I mention? You have to do it in 50 words or less. Gauntlet. Dropped.

Got suggestions? My door is open and the comments section awaits. I'll be sitting at Tim's old desk for most of the day doing some high-level managing stuff (I'd go into it but it's pretty complicated.) Stop by if you've completely run out of work to do.

I leave you with this quote, "Take a deep breath. Now another. Ok, one more. Now let them all out." I don't know who said it but it's pretty obvious the guy was a some kind of unsung genius.

All the best,
CLIFF MCCLOE
the decider/what…if…wow

The McGarrigan Cloeman Group
tel/206.223.5548
mobile/206.226.9312
web/glg.com

Join the conversation at twitter.com/Cliffisincharge

Thanks to Darren for finally getting on that copy assignment. It helps if you read the thread:




It probably also helps if you read the article.

So Darren made the words pop:


In the end, the client was pleased as awesome sauce.


45 comments:

  1. This is the type of can-do attitude I'm looking for, Greg. As my first act, I'm naming you VP of Initiative.

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  2. Be sure to join the conversation at https://twitter.com/Cliffisincharge

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  3. I would like to be a charter member of The McGarrigan Cloeman Group! What would I bring to the role? I would bring, well, myself. It'll be huge.

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  4. I lost sleep over this last night. I'm not sure how to actually operate, know the potential chaos that could ensue. I'm hoping that the DSC (Dipping Sauce Coordinator) position will help calm the masses, since nothing says "calm" like a good side of ranch.

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  5. Debora, thank you for your support. I'm naming you Director of Charter Membership. Let's pow-wow later today.

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  6. Like the movie reviews come out every January proclaiming something as the "Best Movie of the Year," this is the "Best Blog Post of the Year."

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  7. Stu, your concern for the rest of the team is an inspiration.I love when you said "...nothing says "calm" like a good side of ranch." Because that's the whole point: my leadership style isn't about drenching a salad in dressing; it's about small doses.

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  8. I notice that you are wearing your power suit today. Nice work.

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  9. Joe, your insightful insight is much appreciated. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. It's not about "Best Blog Post of the Year"; it's about "Best Blog Post of the Month". Small doses.

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  10. Jen, you've got a great eye. You should really consider working in the creative arts!

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  11. Is being a 7th-level magic user a hard requirement for that role? I'm a dual class magic user, but only at 4th level. The other class is finger puppet acting. Should I still apply?

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  12. Small doses...like dipping sauces! I like your style. And apparently, there's a power suite. Class.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Class is correct. Also, I just figured out how to reply to individual posts. #Innovation.

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    2. Huge class, that. #Innovation, indeed.

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  13. That should say "suit"...or maybe it *should* say "suite"...

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  14. Mr. McCloe,

    There has been one issue that I've tirelessly worked on over the past month and I believe you are The Decider that can make this happen. Since Kristin Lovelady has moved headquarters to the westward window of the 4th floor, there has since been a sitting area installed in the place of her desk. I've grown quite fond of this area, picking up after it, inviting guests to sit in this lovely corridors, and so forth. This lounge area has since been known as " The L.K. Lounge". In your day of power, I would be greatly honored if the official name could be instated as "The L.K. Lounge" and booked as a resource in the Outlook Invite calendar.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Levi Koi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you create a name plaque, we'll make sure it happens today.

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  15. Shout out to our first candidate for 7th-Level Magic User, Norene Sandifer (who responded by email.) What will you conjure for me, today?

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  16. I would sort of love to apply for the dipping sauce job, but I think I have a conflict today.

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    Replies
    1. Honey Mustard or Cool Ranch. It's a question for the ages, my friend.

      Delete
  17. I'm a member of the Washington State Bar but I don't actively practice... I believe that makes me an "Ed O., Esq." but I want to make sure I'm still qualified to be your Personal Executive Administrative Assistant. Please advise, as I will wait with bated breath for your answer.

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    Replies
    1. You had me at "bated breath." Congratulations to Ed O, my new Personal Executive Administrative Assistant (Esquire) for explaining to me what "Esquire" meant. I just figured it was a medieval boy or something. #Knowledge

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    2. I've also named Drew Branstetter Personal Executive Administrative Assistant (Esquire). I'm thinking some Hunger Games sort of situation.

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    3. Whatever it takes. I think that I am destined for the position, however, given I wrote a reply of exactly 50 words and I didn't notice that was the limit until after re-reading your post.

      Kismet, I tell you.

      Delete
  18. As Mayor of Funkytown, I will release Doctor Incredible's "PhD in Funk" playlist on an iTunes share for consumption. I shall wear the funk commander helmet from noon until 1, and post several unreleased picture on my funky self on our leader's twitter page on or GLG.

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations to the mysterious Doctor_i, who is now currently in the lead for in the Mayor of FunkyTown race. If you can bring the funk, you can achieve all your dreams.

      Delete
  19. Actually, that was me that sent an email from Norene. I was merely using "magic".

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations, Jeremy. I've just named you 7-th level Assistant to the Senior Production Manager / Magic User (dual class, of course)

      Delete
  20. I'd like to apply for the VP of Strateginal Scaling Optimization position, as I'm good at parkour. Also, I know how to crochet mermaid tails and alligators, so I think my Scaling Optimization qualifications speak for themselves.

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    Replies
    1. Well played Niki! You have my support for this position.

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    2. Agreed. I didn't understand a word she said. Niki, you've got Strateginal Scaling Optimization written all over you. Maybe even literally...who knows?

      Delete
  21. Dear Mr. McCloe -

    Thank you for considering my application for the Dirhector of Elizondo. In Spain, the Basque define Elizondo as 'house beside the church', essentially, Dihrector of 'House Beside the Church'. Elizondo should be the party house and I would like to be the Dihrector of it.

    Sincerely,

    Carmela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great. Start by memorizing these quotes. http://www.rugusavay.com/hector-elizondo-quotes/

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  22. Re: your request for great dipping sauces: Are you worried? http://adage.com/article/news/dip-dilemma-kraft-running-velveeta/290932/

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    Replies
    1. Way too much copy to read. Summarize, please. I'm looking for something in the 275 word-count.

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    2. High demand for cheese.
      Velveeta in short supply.
      Velveeta is cheese?

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    3. Please reread creative brief. 275 WORD count, please. But less copy than original.

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    4. Perhaps you could use shorter words??? And make the words pop?

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