With Friends Like These…

So we did this exercise in my “Leadership” class Saturday at my MBA program where we went around and said what the positive contribution of everyone in our class was. This is one of those feel-good, touchy-feely things that I as an American can get into, but which my European friends in general seem predisposed to ridicule and deride.

I thought I would share a few of the gems that people wrote down on mine:

• “I like your kindness and ability to listen” (Obviously doesn’t know me)
• I got a lot of “humor” or “funny guy” which I will use as references for my next career in stand-up comedy
• “Hard to believe you come from the US” which was supposed to be a compliment I think
• “Most European American I have met” again, I’ll give that person the benefit of the doubt
• “Like your confronting analysis” – Knows me a little better
• I got a few “not afraid to speak up” which I think are those European-style criticisms that are said as compliments
• “bringing discussion to the sharp edge” – again, probably meant more as a criticism but I actually take that as a big compliment
• “Man, how can you possibly manage to type so fast. Impressive.” – thanks.
• “No fear of standing out.” – I’m American. Duh.
• Got a bunch of comments on critical thinking abilities which I’ll spare you
• “Funniest guy from Jersey I have ever met” – Probably the only one too.
• “I love you man!” – That’s nice. I love you to. Whoever you are.
• “You can achieve whatever you want in life.” – plagarized from a fortune cookie but inspirational nontheless

I am planning to frame these and put them on my wall.