I'll never forget this story as long as I live. It was my second week on the headhunting gig; a complete novice in the world of business. The whole deal was that we essentially had a blueprint of what to say when you solicited a prospective client. This is so and so, and I was just calling to see how things were going, and would like to find out if you might be open to exploring your options at this point.
So I'm in recruiting in DC, where egos a large and attentions span short. For a novice headhunter, that spells trouble. I dial in to this very large, prestigious firm there and ask for man x. Man x answers simply by saying his last name, a very cocky, dick head like move. I launch into my premeditated routine, but he cuts me off right in the middle... " Do you have any idea who I am? " Surprised and stuttering, I try to read his name from my list, but he interjects.
" I'll have you know that I am the managing partner of this firm, and that carries tremendous clout and power. "
At that point, something visceral overtook me and I said, " You are a FUCKING asshole! " And then, just as quickly, I hung up. As I gathered myself, a mixture of fear, anxiety, and delight overtook.
What had I just done? Had I just ruined my firm's reputation? My emotional reaction was not good... this I knew. Yet, part of me felt so satisfied. I know... that's fucked up right?
I made my way to my boss's office; standing at the door in a state of flummoxed confusion.
" Umm.... I think I just fucked up. " My boss looked up from her work, rolling her eyes. " What did you do? " " Well... I just told this partner dude in DC to go fuck himself. "
" You did what?!? You CAN'T do that..." At that moment the phone rang. Guess who? Yep... the asshole. HAHAHA
Seated now, I listened to the call develop. This is what I heard from my boss:
" Yes, yes this is the CEO of the headhunting outfit ." Shaking head....
" Yes... that is my employee." shaking head...
"Uhuh, uhuh, I understand... you are the managing partner of your firm in DC...
Her eyes now rolling, clearly annoyed. "He called you a what?!?.... really?!? Uhuhhh... uhuhh....
Well, if the shoe fits!"
And she hung up, motioning me back to my office.
