Starting at an early age, we all recognize the importance of the company we keep. Maybe these alliances we make stem from a primal xenophobic survival tactic or quite possibly it’s just human nature to affiliate ourselves with like-minded individuals. However, by junior high school, it seems we have already chosen sides and — though it often seems our choices are hormonally and psychologically predisposed — perhaps it’s merely circumstance that creates these bonds. Athletes hang with other athletes, the smart kids finding comfort with their own get labeled “geeks,” and the “in” crowd looks down on the social misfit crew.
Every now and then, the boundaries get crossed and different factions realize that they are not so dissimilar after all, but mostly this scenario is best played out in various films by John Hughes. In real-life, we rarely break down these preconceived notions of the various “others” until long after we matriculate and even then, many universities — with their stress on Greek life and sports — only help to reinforce the cliquish attitudes and the importance of the company we keep.
While joining the workforce might be a leveler of sorts, the caste system still remains intact and our need to belong and be a part of something does not change. Like-minded people find each other and tend to create their own elite groups, factions, bands and gangs. These cliques tend to attract others who, in one way or another, have a need to get close to the inner circle. And no matter if they work for the core or are just hangers on, they still get a bump in status just by association — based solely on the company they keep. From international politics to local street gangs, name-dropping and personal association is a common form of alerting people to one’s personal power — or lack thereof.
Previously coveted relations can turn toxic as people disaffiliate themselves from a person or group that they feel will be harmful to their own image. Case in point is the Democrats who refused help from the President on the campaign trail during the mid-term elections due to his perceived toxicity. Of course these actions appeared silly and disingenuous considering that these same politicians were not changing their political platform or beliefs, but rather disassociating themselves from the company they keep.
Audio Associations
It is not a novel concept in regard to having (and touting) one’s connections, nor is there anything new about avoiding guilt by association. We all enjoy being allied with greatness, and most of our resumes attest to that fact as we list — in our work-related experience — only the finest venues and artists with whom we have worked. As our experience grows we add the newer and more current names to the list while the older or less-recognizable names get dropped. Of course it works both ways, and while it’s important for a company, artist or venue to properly vet their prospective employees, it is also imperative for the employee to make sure that whoever they sign on with is also a solid investment.
A technical position might be what any prospective employer or employee is looking to fill, but fitting in with the other people involved is the unwritten requirement. It’s a vague prerequisite, and the lines of demarcation are never set other than by the people involved who are making their decision based solely upon a feeling. The technical ability is the operational aspect of the job and easy enough to discern, but completing the clique is based upon an intuitive sixth sense. After all, in the same way that we are what we eat; we are the company that we keep.
Becoming the Audio Ambassador
As much as we elevate our status by dropping the big names with whom we work, it is just as important for our employer to count on us to make them look good. As engineers, we are often called upon to be representatives for the venue, artist or company that employs us, since — as well as providing the proper gear and/or mix — we often advance shows and act as on-site production managers. Therefore, do not disregard social skills solely in favor of technical skills and — although the mix is a priority — the way in which your employer/employee is perceived should be a main concern as well.
I have worked for artists who, because of their great popularity, decided that they could be late for shows, make great demands and treat people poorly. Did it affect their ability to work? Probably not, but it did affect the crew. In turn, said crew became very cranky and truculent, which made for a fairly unpleasant work environment for everyone involved with the tour. It also made it a disagreeable experience for the venues we visited. In the same way, I have done shows in less than hospitable venues and have worked with sound companies whose engineers were neither respectful nor overly competent, and these, too, are negative aspects that reflect poorly on the company that we keep.
I am still surprised when a name artist shows up with a mediocre engineer or a snippy production manager. I am also of firm mind that the best shows are a culmination of a good team being able to work in conjunction with themselves and other crews that are either visiting or hosting the event. If the artist, the manager or the production manager on down to the audio crew becomes a problem rather than a solution, then it’s advisable to start seeking other means of employment. Just as stumping politicians shun the help of a sitting president, one should avoid being attached to and associated with a toxic work situation, especially considering the amount of hours we all spend in each other’s company.
Unfortunately, there is no redemption once a harmful association sticks, and the negativity will surround you and attach to you like an invisible force field. There are only so many times that you can say “It’s them and not me,” and there are only so many times that one can look the other way or turn the other cheek before the toxicity seeps in and becomes you. Leave it behind. Find a way to the nearest airport and fly home. If a company has a bad reputation or if a co-worker is an abusive drunk, then it reflects poorly on everybody. Remember that there are a lot of great professional people and situations in this business, and there is no need to be tied to negativity when one can just as easily forge a bond to a more positive experience. Just keep in mind the importance of the company we keep.
