Tuesday, August 08, 2017
A Use of History
In response, the women
assumed the names of
Victorian whores.
Foul-Mouthed Felicia
did the talking, and
Spread-Legs Shirl chaired.
Clergy counseled patience,
then biblical brutality as Shirl
lived up to her name.
The men disparaged the cloth,
opting for a quick settlement.
They capitulated on major points.
The women felt free, then, in
victory, to revert to comfortable roles.
All-enveloping sweet Motherhood.
Terribly fashionable Garden Partying
with dresses and heels, of course.
And pearls!
Don't forget them.
Jumbos now.
Labels: class, clergy, discussion, fashion, garden parties, men, Motherhood, Negotiation, sex war, women
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Limits of Sensitivity
Representative Rant
“Never again hire me another of these thoughtful and sensitive
individuals!
You’re in a meeting with the client and he’s spoiling for
a fight! Then these people pause more than talk when they’re
talking, getting him more and more pissed off!
Give me spouters! And I don’t give a shit what they say.
What if it’s nonsense? I can straighten that out with
The Enchilada later. At least he doesn’t get the chance to
drive his forklift into SENSITIVITY! Jesus H. Christ on a bicycle!
It’s business! Not touchy-feely at freakin Amherst!”
Labels: business, client, Negotiation, sensitivity, thoughtful
Saturday, October 01, 2011
The Cost of the Deal
At the most frustrating point of the negotiations, L exploded into tears. Emitting, too, some sobbing home truths about us. Individually.
Both sides brought her tea and sweets and alcohol wipes.
Then we resumed.
In the wee hours we had our settlement,
histrionics forgotten. (Not including L in that,
hers being genuine.)
I’ve often thought of the things she said, especially
concerning me. But, too much truth is dragging
a useless leg.
Labels: emotion, insight, Negotiation
Friday, June 24, 2011
Symbols
Senator So & So plus
Representative Whats-
hisface have walked
away! Will negotiations
sludge on? A little
like young couples
with their crushing
hurts, but they
have the cure
of makeup sex, where-
as nothing can relieve
politics save more
agony exposed
to the Nation
of Contributors.
Farce means stuffed.
Guess with what.
Labels: bipartisan, farce, Negotiation, party politics, political farce
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Getting It Done
ASSISTANT
Our lead negotiator on Helkin doing a crackerjack job...
CEO
I'll need details.
ASST
and despite...
CEO
Despite what?
ASST
Well, a horrendous divorce proceeding has him reeling emotionally.
CEO
Emotionally means every which way.
ASST
Not so with him. He can separate.
CEO
My source there tells me Old Man Helkin flying in.
They smell blood in the water. So I'll be taking over.
ASST
And our guy?
CEO
Back to his department with faint gratitude.
ASST
There’s a problem. HR slid a new guy into his slot--
negotiations were slated to go on for so long and...
CEO
He has no job? Fire him.
ASST
Boss! Excuse me, but that's so cold!
CEO
Not tiddlywinks we play here.
ASSISTANT
Our lead negotiator on Helkin doing a crackerjack job...
CEO
I'll need details.
ASST
and despite...
CEO
Despite what?
ASST
Well, a horrendous divorce proceeding has him reeling emotionally.
CEO
Emotionally means every which way.
ASST
Not so with him. He can separate.
CEO
My source there tells me Old Man Helkin flying in.
They smell blood in the water. So I'll be taking over.
ASST
And our guy?
CEO
Back to his department with faint gratitude.
ASST
There’s a problem. HR slid a new guy into his slot--
negotiations were slated to go on for so long and...
CEO
He has no job? Fire him.
ASST
Boss! Excuse me, but that's so cold!
CEO
Not tiddlywinks we play here.
Labels: CEO, Negotiation
