Outsourcing

This is a awesome and funny column in Esquire by A. J. Jacobs who wanted to outsource his life. An example,

One task for which Honey is thankful is emailing my colleagues. I've begun to refuse to communicate with them directly. Why should I? Honey can be my buffer from the unpleasant world of office politics. I'll be aloof and mysterious, like the pope or Mark Burnett. This morning, I ask Honey to pester my boss about an idea I sent him a few days ago: an article on modern gold prospectors.

Mr. Granger,
Jacobs had mailed you about the idea of "gold prospecting." I am sure you would have received his mail on this. It would be great if you could invest your time and patience on giving thought about his plans. Do revert and let Jacobs know about your suggestions on the same. As you know that your decision would be accepted with utmost respect.
Jacobs is awaiting your response.
Thanking you, Honey Balani

Another advantage to this strategy: My boss can't just email a terse "No," as he might to me. Honey's finely crafted emails demand a polite multisentence response. The balance of power has shifted.

Nice.

Posted by Paul in Miscellaneous Entertainment at October 14, 2005 08:01 AM | 0 Comments | Browse Related Books