JEREMY CORBETT

WHEN IT COMES TO ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITY, JEREMY WANTS NONE OF IT

Have you ever heard someone say they’ve discovered something about themselves?

I think it’s odd that someone would hide a secret from themselves. Especially when it’s about them. In light of that, how do we even keep secrets about ourselves from ourselves?

Initially, I considered that since there isn’t two of us, how is it even possible?

But after some introspection and a glass of red, I’ve realised there are at least two of all of us.

The conscious and subconscious are obvious places to start. Though I suspect most of us are possessed of many more than just two of us. Some only accessible with the help of fermented beverages. I’m talking to you, inebriated Jeremy.

Why am I thinking all this nonsense? Well, I’ve just made another discovery about myself: I don’t like being in charge. I love floating along under the power of someone else’s planning and organising.

More than that, I abhor the responsibility of another person’s satisfaction, happiness or safety.

I’d rather be dissatisfied with what has been organised for me than happy with what

I’ve organised myself.

This was brought home to me recently when a group of friends went to see Bruce Springsteen in concert. I only had to organise transport. Okay, that’s a pretty big “only” given the logistics, but in actuality it’s a few phone calls and a credit card. For me it was a mountain of effort.

After hours of endless phone calls that must have numbered in the threes, I found someone to drop us off and pick us up again, but because I’d procrastinated, the only option left was a rather pricey one.

I worried about telling my friends, I worried about their willingness to pay, I worried about their ability to pay,

I worried about how it would affect our friendship. I worried about how they would enjoy the transport. I worried if the transport would actually turn up when agreed.

For me, the Springsteen experience was four hours of worrying with a small live rock distraction in the middle. We were born to run, but would our ride be there at the appointed time and place to allow us?

As far as I know, everyone had a great time and all got home. Success. Never again.

Although conscious me has just discovered I don’t like being the boss, I realise subconscious Jeremy has been aware of this for some time. I avoid responsibility. As someone once said to me, “You avoid making decisions until inevitability takes over.”

Hey, it’s a valid approach to management!

On my early school reports, I often had comments suggesting I had leadership qualities. I think teachers mistook my ignorance of reality as confidence and ability. Nope. I’m a follower, not a leader.

So to those of you who like being in charge, I like it too.

Lead on!