21st Century Hasn't Been Kind to Smart Alecks, With Some Exceptions

 The 20th century was a different time. Back then as post-war affluence took hold and we went to college cheap, learning to speak our minds being a smart aleck could be an edge.

Corporate clients of elite law firm Jones Day loved partner Micky Pohl's quips. 

Offbeat Harvey Milk, despite being openly gay before that was okay, was ranked by TIME Magazine as among the most influential players of the century. 

Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, Buddy Cianci, who carried a massive chip on his shoulder, ranted endlessly about the "lucky sperm club." 

Among the highest paid niches in writing was creating humor, especially for the Fortune 50 speeches. 

That was then. 

From the 9/11 terrorist attack which triggered a recession to the current perfect storm of inflation, global economic slowdown and generative AI threatening jobs the mood in America has hardened into earnest, conformist and scared. Not one of my clients starts the session with something light or ironic.

A sign of these gravitas times help-wanted ads no longer list as a part of the personality traits wanted a good sense of humor. After all, humor is subjective and can be interpreted to touch a third rail such as gender or race. Popular professional network LinkedIn is total straightforward wholesome selfless values. 

Executives are being coached to be "authentic." That has become code for "buttoned down" w/o any attempt to be "cool." Our been-through-the-wringer society mistrusts any residue of the 20th-century charm offensive. Previously imbued with a lightness of spirit Disney return-again CEO Bob Iger looks grimly focused.

Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp tells readers of Leaders Magazine that the law firm is "purpose-driven." All that drive is being channeled into everything from creating business value for clients (in addition to solving their legal problems) to fighting for social justice for the powerless. 



There are exceptions. Influencers with large followings can be smart asses. We love it. 

Also unusual bonding can happen if we risk going off the earnestness scripting. In the store the clerk asked me to "round it off for XYZ." I gave a smart aleck reply. The person in line behind me invited to the bar next door for a drink. We jaw-jaw like it is still counterculture days.

For clients I recommend, however, the gravitas ethos. For success in business and life: Be of your times.

I help with all your communications. That ranges from coaching to strategy and research to writing and editing. Complimentary consultation. Please contact Jane Genova at 203-468-8579 (texting and phone) and janegenova374@gmail.com.


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