Sunday, August 8, 2010

How Long Can You Lay Low & Be Quiet?

I watched the film, SALT last night. Other than the obvious fact that it is an Angelina Jolie action flick, it is about moles, sleeper agents and spies - trained for a post-Cold War scenario. Having established the notion that Ms Jolie is awesome in films like the Laura Croft series and Mr & Mrs Smith, I was glad that she returned to the adventure-thriller genre. Although the plot is predictable, filled with a few gapping holes, it is salient to note that Ms Jolie performed most of the stunts herself (saving us from more CGI assault), and the role of Salt was originally male (and Tom Cruise was considered first). Ms Jolie suffered a head injury while performing a stunt, which she was discharged soon after. Jacky Chan suffered a serious head injury during Armour of God and, subsequently, established Chan on the Hollywood A-list, an über-stuntperson and definitely and dangerously uninsurable.

If sleeper spies can lie dormant until the right time to activate their role and responsibilities, what are the inherent and expressed applications of staying quiet?

1)    Keeping your corporate secrets intact. There are implications in research & development where industry secrets can mean make or break for a company.
2)    Practise confidentiality. Secrets are meant to stay private.
3)    Keep to your word. Never betray the trust that you have. Never betray your relationships.
4)    Being introverted may lean you towards a more reserved and shy personality, so that is an advantage.
5)    Keep your conversations during counseling or performance appraisal confidential. What goes on tour, stays on tour.
6)    Never be caught talking about somebody behind their back.
7)    Never blog or tweet in anger. These are tools of the public domain. Hundreds of eyes may be reading your rants and raves.
8)    Never draw undue attention to yourself. Recognise your team, and get your team recognised.

So, what is your ability to stay silent?

No comments: