I just had a very weird experience at work to share with you all. I try not to talk about work often on my blog, which I think is a generally good practice, but this was just too good to not share. First, though, you need some quick background on the structure of things at work.
Here’s the basic org chart going up from me.
- Team Lead
- Level 1 Manager
- Level 2 Manager
- Director
It goes higher from there, but to be honest I’m not exactly sure of how it goes from there, but that’s enough information to give you an idea of where I’m at in the food chain (see: bottom). I speak with my team lead daily, and the level 1 manager on at least a weekly basis. I’ve talked once or twice with the level 2 manager, but it’s pretty rare. Our Director is someone I’ve never personally met, and have only seen him stand up and lecture big at our quarterly get-togethers.
So, you can imagine my surprise when the Director busts into my office yelling “BRIAN! Man, we’re TIGHT! We’re best friends. I’m _____ ________, nice to meet you!”
I’m sure I gave kind of a goofy confused smile as I shook his hand. He had the biggest grin on his face, and I had no idea what was going on.
I guess he could understand the confusion on my face, so he yelled out (he was really quite excited) “I’m a Redskins fan too!”
See, my team lead’s desktop image is a giant KC Chiefs logo. I guess our Director was wandering through the area and happened to notice it, and struck up a conversation. He mentioned that he was a Redskins fan, and my team lead knows that I am too, and mentioned it in their conversation, so the Director ran over here to introduce himself and such over football camaraderie.
When I mentioned that I’m going to the game in Dallas next month (something I’m not sure I’ve even mentioned here), he got extra excited. He said “That’s great! We gotta beat ‘em. Y’know, my two favorite teams are playing in that game.” That one kinda hit me funny (I was still feeling kind of dazed by the event) and asked “Oh?”
His reply: “Yeah. My two favorite teams are the Redskins and whoever is playing against the Cowboys.” Then we both had a good laugh, and he shook my hand again and said “Have a good day, and a great trip!” and was out.
What a disorienting but awesome experience.
4 Responses
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That’s awesome networking! Take advantage of that connection. Perhaps if we didn’t work opposite shifts I would have heard about this in person. Love you.
I’m glad that you can bond with people through HATE.
Brian, srsly, YOU’RE A LIVING RERUN!
:P
Team Leader here you come.
What a great story. Football is great that way.