Trygg Becomes a Consultant

There was a joke back in the 80s.

"What are you doing now?"

"I'm writing a screenplay."

"Everybody's writing a screenplay."

Trygg does not find that funny. He's decided to become a consultant. What upset him the most was not that I didn't take him seriously, but that I didn't understand the joke.

"You don't get it, do you? Everyone's becoming a consultant."

"Okay."

Trygg opens up his notebook and takes out the pen I'd given him as a gift. At first, I thought he just wanted to show his gratitude by using the pen to show me he likes it. He calls the notebook and pen his think pad and stylus.

"You've heard the expression, "It's like trying to herd cats?""

"Yes."

"Okay, here is the real problem. Say you decide you want to try to herd cats. So, you make a sackful of tuna sandwiches thinking that will attract the cats. Well, you're half right. What happens is this: One cat walks off looking for a jar of gherkins. Another cat goes rooting through the cupboard looking for the crisps. Another cat wants a napkin. Who wants whole wheat? Who wants it on a roll? Who's on a low-carb diet? You see? Now, instead of an organised herd of cats, you have chaos."

"A catastrophe."

Trygg doesn't smile. "May I?"

"This is like the story about who's going to hang the bell around the cat's neck. Simple solutions may work better than complex solutions; but simplistic solutions routinely don't work. That is why you need a consultant."

"To explain what?"

"Cats."

"I have you for that."

"True. However, there are many people who share space with cats yet have no idea what we're like. Hence, they have problems."

"Unintended consequences?"

"There is no such thing as unintended consequences. Only unwanted consequences."

"Which is why you've decided to become a consultant."

"Exactly. Case in point: Isn't it almost time for lunch?"

"I'm making tuna. Care to join me?"

"Hold the mayo."

Even the cat winks =^.~=

Regards,

Slim


Copyright (c) 2011 Slim Fairview