Bryan said:
I started out as a PA at my company and then switched over to the edit side, the Yin to production’s Yang. So I loved the first chapter which seemed to be a lot about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes or using your knowledge to help someone else. I was one of the first PAs to ever make that switch and in just my first year as an editor, I was cutting the Super Bowl. That happened because we have intense, pressure-filled deadlines and if I’m editing with production in mind, it makes the whole process easier for everyone. I know what they want and I know what things slow them down.
However, “remembering rule #6” would not be a very useful mantra where I work. A major problem (especially for people coming in from another company) is the amount of intense hostility and shortness at times. You can’t just remember to not take yourself so seriously, you have 60 seconds to know whether or not you have video coming up. You can’t be relaxed. You have to be short, curt, and effective. Facts only. The difference here is that after that incident is over (or more likely: the show is over) you talk with the people involved and tell them no hard feelings. A good producer will work to rebuild after an ugly incident. But most people understand that it’s very serious, and the information has to be transparent and related quickly. Joke after the show, not during.
Not everybody can perform under pressure like that, and it weeds people out. I think that pressure is a good thing most of the time. You are working on instinct and it’s amazing what you can get done in a short amount of time. Now, I’m not like this in every facet of my life, but I am at work, and I am proud of that.
I will say, I did like the story about the two business partners…
The parts about nothing really being good or bad was very intriguing to me. I would say I’m an environmentalist, but when you think about it, what does that really mean? It’s really out of human selfishness. The same with NOT being an environmentalist. When you think about it, millions of species have become extinct. It’s the way of the planet. Greenhouse effects have heated the planet before. It’s the way of the planet. Is it bad for the planet if water levels rise? Not really. It’s bad for humans who have settled near those waters. I’m not advocating one thing or another, I’m just pointing out what book tries to: that good an evil are a human invention.
If anyone reading this hasn’t done so, I highly suggest listening to Bach’s Suite No.2 in D Minor as Chapter 8 talks about. It really is a beautiful piece of music. I suggest listening to Mischa Maisky’s version!
Elizabeth said:
Bryan- I always find myself coming back to your blog. I love the way you are so communicative about tough subjects- you don't sugar coat things but you are not ugly about it either- just the facts!!! Your honesty is awesome! I was able to apply your blog post to my job situation. although I am a teacher, I find that sometimes my supervisor is short with me in words, really curt and to the point. The first couple time I was a little distressed. But she was able to come to me and explain that is just her personality and that she just answers the question. She won't build you a clock if you ask her the time. I liked that you pointed out that this is important in employee relationships.
This book is very relaxing for me. I tend to bring my work and feelings home with me and so this book is helping me find the peace with letting go at the front door. But this book also challenges me to think differently, look at my teaching differently, and probably most important, increase satisfaction in home, work, and family relationships.
Although I have a hard time listening to classical music, I will add Bach's #2 to my playlist.
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