Oh Yeah! I'm in I.T.

	A week ago Friday, I had the pleasure of attending my wife's Holiday Christmas Party and yes, much like everything in life, these types of events have degenerated into venerable nothingness where many people pretend to like and respect each other. Now, don't get me wrong, I do have a keen sense of affection for many of my wife's co-workers whom I truly respect. They are truly the essence of good people. Unfortunately, I really can't say that for everyone. During the course of the soiree, I realized that my wife's small team was bundled into one of the organization's many I.T. Team's party. Perfect, I should have lots in common with these folks. Think again. What most people don't realize about me, is that all-in-all I'm a pretty quiet person , not introverted, but I usually wont speak unless spoken to. It certainly hasn't hampered my ability to lead teams, conduct meetings, and challenge the best at their own game. I'm thoughtful and mindful of what needs to be said to win my point of view and I don't easily back-down. Yes, I do have a boisterous side and a temper, but they never get the best of me. So to break the ice, I started introducing myself to these like minded people and engaged in some light hearted conversation. Mistake! Here's one of my discussion with a 30-something (more like 40-something) Nana Mouskouri look-alike while I was waiting at the bar for my gin and tonic. - Sylvain: Hi, I'm Sylvain Perrier, Michelle's husband. - Nana: Hi, I'm Nana and this is my husband Frank. I'm sorry what was your name? - Sylvain: It's Sylvain (using an overly french accent at this point) but most people just call me 'Sly'. - Nana: Ah yes, 'Sly", but your not Italian (tell me something I don't know). - Sylvain: Nope not Italian. Not even since the last time I looked in the mirror. - Nana: Ha Ha! (fake laugh-bitch). I know Michelle, she's such a nice person. I hear that you've been travelling quite a bit. - Sylvain: Yes I have. All part of the process of building a strong company and certainly part of what I do. - Nana: What do you do? - Sylvain: Vice-President, Technology & Innovation. - Nana: Hmm! (at this point she tunes out). - Sylvain: And you? (I just want to walk away) - Nana: I'm in I.T. (which doesn't really mean a f#@$%ing thing) - Sylvain: So what exactly do you do? - Nana: Well (I'm about to be fed some bull@#$it) I answer phones, install software, change toner cartridges, schedule meetings... -Sylvain; Great meeting you (and yes, I walked away). My readers, let me make one thing clear to all of you. No one is in I.T. if you do what Nana does. You can support I.T. but it certainly doesn't mean your part of the core team. You're at the door honey and always will be. I'm not trying to belittle people or various roles in any organization. What I'm trying to make clear, is that you should never under any circumstances miss represent yourself. For example, on a day to day basis, I work with five (5) of the most competent legal minds of our generation including my mentor, all holding roughly twenty plus years of experience. Yes, its true, I have participated, in organizing mutual non-disclosure agreements, negotiated contracts, participated in arbitration meetings, and assisted inventor disclosure meetings. But, was I the one who drafted the multitude of paper work, led the strategic discussions, and performed the countless hours of study to gain the right to practice law. No! Am I going to lead anyone to believe that I'm lawyer. No! Guess what Nana, your not in I.T. and I'm not a lawyer. By the way, I am in I.T.