Many an up and comer has seen his career unwind after getting tongue-tied around the big shot at the next urinal. Cheek to Cheek – the new book by Neil Harrison, Professor of Corporate Behaviors at Pasmer College – aims to prevent this.
“I can tell you about one guy who was being considered to become a go-to person until he stood next to a VP,” says Harrison. “He got nervous, couldn’t think of anything to say, and started reciting the company mission statement.” Within 15 minutes, says Harrison, workpeople had removed the man’s desk, his ID card was un-laminated, and his admin acted like she didn’t remember his name.
“Relieving oneself alongside an executive is not the time to discuss project deliverables or pay raises,” says Harrison. Rather, he says, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate spontaneity and wit. The book provides 1,343 suggestions, including these three:
- Ask the superior if he can remember the lyrics to the sitcom, “Green Acres.” If he can’t, start singing and encourage him to join in. Prompt him only if he stumbles. Note: Do NOT sing “Petticoat Junction.”
- Ask whether he knows the difference between a Corvette and a Corvair. If he doesn’t, explain. If he does, move to another topic
- Initiate a joke: For instance, say to him, “My dog has no nose!” When he asks, “How does it smell?” respond, “Awful!” Do NOT make traditional men’s room jokes like, “Boy, that water is cold!” or “You don’t buy it, you just rent it!”
Harrison says he’s already heard from dozens of men claiming the book has boosted their careers – including the mission statement guy. “He got a job at another company, found himself next to the CEO, and started discussing why fire hydrants are painted red,” says the author. “Today he’s not only a go-to person, but also a change agent.”
