:: Reactivation ::

Thursday, November 07, 2002

How many times have you seen "must be a proactive self-starter with vigorous initiative", or something analogous in a job description? That type of usage, as well as others, have inculcated us so deeply that one can't really think of the word "proactive" without positive connotations.

"Let's be proactive about this."

"We need more proactive solutions."

"I'd like a proactive burger with fries."

This draws my ire.

Isn't being a good reactor (in the non-atomic-energy sense) a positive trait? Isn't the ability to react fluidly and competently an asset? Most assuredly so, but it seems to be taboo to emphasize this. I think it might be a distinctly American tendency to shun pride in one's reactivity - this is after all a "do" culture that loathes waiting above all else. Yes, it's better to prevent problems before they arise versus always have to perform damage control, but no amount of planning, no matter how detailed and robust, will prevent unpredictable results. When the partially-hydrogenated corn extract hits the fan, you need a competent reactive agent (sounds like a pitch for a cleaning solvent).

So why can't job adverts include this? I guess "must possess a ostensibly improbable taoist synthesis of prescient, asserted, motivated decision-making / action-taking and smooth reflexive unexpected-problem-solving. Preternatural calm, clairvoyance, and steely nerves a plus" just doesn't have the same pop.

Posted by morland @ 05:48 PM

:: Comments ::

Using articles correctly is also an positive trait.

Posted by: Alexis on November 8, 2002 02:30 PM

damn you, you're so right. sometimes, in the midst of the myriad of revisions an entry undergoes, an article here or there becomes a casualty of rampant and violent editing

you will know this feeling one day alexis. it's only a matter of time

Posted by: morland on November 8, 2002 04:06 PM

Speaking of proactive burgers, did you hear the hot-off-the-press news about Church's? They're now serving biscuit.

I whole-heartedly agree with your critique of classifieds and the larger social issues they point to. Don't you think more job advertisements need to consider listing "non-cusser" as a qualification, too? Too many people cuss where I work. Really drags a guy down.

Posted by: Grener on November 8, 2002 10:21 PM

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