By far the most popular posts on this blog so far have been the "Animal House" and "Blues Brothers" postings from a couple of weeks back. While I hadn't intended to start a pattern, friends soon began sending me suggestions of other films I should try to draw lessons from. Never one to refuse a challenge, I said, "Sure! What would you like to see next?" Well, here's the answer. Saddle up and read on...
Remember, it takes time for people to get to know you. Think back to when Sheriff Bart first met the townspeople of Rock Ridge. Didn't go so well, did it? And remember how it was only the little old lady who brought him a pie to show some appreciation? And remember how she quickly compensated for her generosity by adding, "Now, you will, of course, be polite and not mention to anyone that I spoke with you?" When you step into a new role, people need time to accept you and what you bring to the job. Be prepared for it to take a while.
Always keep pressing forward and never let anything stand in your way. Obstacles and impediments are always temporary delays, not permanent stops. This applies even when some local yokel decides to put up a toll gate in the middle of the desert that you could simply ride around.
Every office has its Mongo. Sure, he's probably not punching out horses in front of the local saloon, but you know what we mean. In every office, there's someone everyone fears and who might as well ride an ox wherever s/he goes. Make a friend of this person and your clout in the town will always go up.
Always take notes. Your first few weeks on a new job will be filled with things you'll want to remember. Take a note pad and pen with you everywhere you go and make a point of recording as much as you can for future reference. Think this is too detailed? Well, if you don't do it, you run the risk of looking bad in front of your boss. Just ask Slim Pickens. (Okay, so Pickens reportedly was a bit thick in the skull and actually thought "Dr. Strangelove" was a drama instead of a comedy, according to Hollywood lore. But the point's still valid nonetheless.)
Watch your diet. Sure, it's easy when you're stressed to overdo it on the food, but have a limit. Thirteen should be a good limit on weinerschnitzel, especially if you're dining with a burlesque dancer who looks like Madeline Kahn.
Meetings may be a waste of time in most instances, but that's not to say they can't occasionally provide some amusement. It's all in how you prepare.
Always beware of any private sector job that requires a loyalty oath. Just sayin'.
Know how to end on a graceful note. Look, we all loved this movie, but let's face it: Brooks didn't know how to finish it. The on-set pie fight and slapstick stuff was great fun, but it really left us all going, "Huh?"
Don't confuse people's names if you can possibly help it. Confusing "Heddy" and "Headley" might get tedious after the fifth or sixth time. Make those notes that we spoke about above.
and perhaps most important -
Never, ever, under ANY circumstances, eat too many beans with your coworkers in the lunchroom. Oh, you know this scene...
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