I am a freak. And yet you want to work with me. And I want to work with you too.
But in order to work together to create something amazingly awesome and make this world a better place, there are ten things you need to know about me.
1. I can get a little crazy
I get crazy thinking about new ideas and how to pursue them. The tiniest problems provoke a mad rush of thoughts that catapult my actions into a million different directions in an attempt to form a solution. My projects create an emotional tether that causes me to cry, scream and laugh uncontrollably when we reach new milestones.
2. I love being in charge
I’m not a control freak, but I love being in charge. That’s just the type of person I am. I want my ideas to matter. It’s not like your own ideas are lame, it’s just that in my mind, I want to determine whose are better. Sounds stupid, but when I am in charge, I am at my best. And my best is where I always want to be.
3. Hard work 100% of the time
No slacking. I don’t like to “stick a fork” in project for the night because people are tired. True revelations come at the time when you feel your brain has been battered and deep-fried. If the problem isn’t going away, than neither am I. The goal is to come up with a solution first. Not think about it for a while and bring it up again as part of the agenda in the “Q4” or last three months of the year. The problem is present so let’s fix it!
4. I’m terrified of failure
I know it will happen, but I don’t think of it as an option. If you are planning on failing, then why are we even in the same room? Success isn’t how much money is in your bank account or trust fund. Success is how freakin’ motivated you are to do something awesome. I want to work with someone who has some major issues to deal with if our efforts don’t turn out like we want them to. I don’t want to share a creative space with someone who doesn’t care about making an impact on society. If you’ve got nothing to lose, then you really aren’t fully invested in the project.
5. I say it like it is
Pulling a punch to spare my feelings is just like hitting my dog with your car. Just let me know that you don’t like my ideas and we can move on from there. I have super thick skin, and after working as an air traffic controller for over a decade, I think I can handle whatever you have to dish out. And I’ll provide you with the same nicety. Don’t take offense to my comments or remarks. I never send out jabs to hurt people, I only speak up when I feel that my words can create forward momentum.
6. I’m crazy competitive
I don’t like to lose. I’m sure you don’t either, but you have to understand that once you give me a project to work on, there’s no way that our outcome won’t be the best. Competition breeds success! If we are going to work together, I will need you to be the type of person who’s looking to be better than the next guy. Things will never be done “the way they’ve always been!” <—— I hate that freakin’ phrase!!
7. I don’t like to work with the same people over and over again
Each one of us was born with a unique set of gifts and strengths. I want to work with as many people as possible. If you find comfort in working next to the same person because they “get you” that’s crap. You’ve grown comfortable because you know how they will respond. Heck! You may love them because they always agree with you. I want to work with those who are willing to speak up and share new ideas, stories and opinions. I can’t grow as a person if nobody is there to push me forward!
8. I joke around…a lot
When I get stressed out, I need to funnel my thoughts in a different direction to ease the frustrations. So I joke around, pull pranks and laugh…a lot! It’s not that I am unprofessional, I just know what works for me. And if you want the same things I do, you’ll have to adjust to my impromptu humor. I’m sure you have something weird you do, or wish you could do, in order to alleviate the pressure of a new project or deadline. Anything to reduce the tension and get back into a frame of mind that promotes genius.
P.S. Blowing up stuff in video games is cool too!
9. I love inspirational quotes
It sounds cliché with a slice of lame, but I love inspirational quotes. I own several dozen books full of quotes that motivate me, and make me envision my own success. So if you see me open a book, slap the table and yell “That’s what I’m talking about baby!” then you know what I am doing. I’ll probably repeat the quote about a hundred times before the day is over just so I commit it to memory. You’ve been warned!
10. I like to drink craft beer
I guess this is one that I could have left off the list, but I figured if you made it all the way to number ten, then you are probably interested in us teaming up on a huge project. And if we are going to be spending time together, I want you to know what quenches my thirst. But when I say craft beer, I mean good quality hoppy and unfiltered crazy good beer! Nothing that’s followed up by the word’s “lite” or “half the calories.” A little buzz enhances creativity. And that’s science!
There you go. Nothing really crazy complicated, just ten things that you should be aware of before we start working together. I urge you to come up with your own “10 Things” list. Treat yourself fairly and be honest. This is not a resume. There’s no academic piece of paper required.
All I ask is that you share my same passion for life and our ability to make something amazing.
“Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions.” ~Disraeli
P.S. You can send me your list by emailing [email protected]. Also, be sure to include the project you are working on, along with the date you want to get started.
And don’t forget to let me know what six-pack to bring!