The Word or the Sword

 In the mid-80's, I received a call from an administrator of a Houston law firm. She wanted to know if I could lead a weekend stress retreat for thirty litigators, primarily male. She quickly issued a warning before I could respond. The previous year the firm had contracted with a facilitator who had a "just let it out" style of leadership. Big surprise...the retreat tuned into a rout. When you're dealing with verbal swordsmen like attorneys, obviously if you let it all hang out...with the size of those legal egos, some of "it" is going to get cut off. (Ouch. I get anxiety just thinking about that!) And the administrator let me know that Executive Management had made it clear that her derriere was on the chopping block if they had another fiasco.

 I tried to reassure her that I was a therapist, a conflict resolution consultant and a former Type A, originally from New York City. And now, "living in New Orleans has reformed me." I knew this uncommon mix of "Big Apple" and "Big Easy" made me ready for "Mission Impossible." She still was hesitant. At this point, let me parenthetically add, the AIDS crisis was just starting to grab hold of public consciousness. I suddenly had an inspiration. I said with conviction, "I know what you want. You want a retreat that will be so well structured and controlled, it will protect these ego-driven monsters from killing one another off. You want a workshop on 'Safe Stress!'" Well, she erupted. A guy that could make her laugh so, just couldn't be that fanatic. I knew right away I would be the man. However, she still had to confer with top management

 A month or so had gone by, and no word from Ms. Administrator. I decided to call. As soon as I reintroduced myself, her bummed out tone made the results predictable. Top management decided not just to play it safe; they went for total abstinence. The topic of the weekend retreat: computers. (Of course, these days, with computers and private chat rooms, you virtually need to practice safe sex.)

 Well, at least, I got a humorous story and a cool concept from the whole affair. No small consequence. For he who laughs last...lasts!

 Just remember...Practice Safe Stress!