My desk at work has a green phone for unclassified conversations, and a red phone for classified conversations.
Without exception, I follow the rules about what I can say over these two networks. If not, I’d hurt the mission and get in trouble.
In a way, I’m always “on-message” over these phones, because I don’t stray from our classification rules.
If we can be conditioned to accept and follow rules for these phone networks, maybe there are other phone lines we should set up:
The “Forever Lines” Phone. “Public Affairs, this line is for Forever Lines only. We protect America.” Call our Forever Lines Phone and you aren’t going to get me off-message. This network is only for conversations focused on mission. Don’t want to focus on mission? Not approved on this line buddy, call me back on a different phone so I can ignore your call.
The “Let’s Talk About Something Important” Phone. Put that coffee down! Don’t call this line to bitch about that sale you shot or some son of a bitch who didn’t want to buy land. No chit-chat, useless pleasantries, or staff buffoonery. Like coffee, this line is for closers.
The “Next Steps” Phone. On this line, we don’t linger over what happened, why it happened or how we feel about it. We never discuss what we’re waiting for. Which action must happen today, and who is going to take it?
The “Time Is My Only Limited Resource” Phone. Only call me here if you’re going to talk to me like I have to piss.
The “No” Phone. I don’t answer this one. I can never hear it ringing over the rumbling of the Information Bus.
Ring ring, are people calling you on the right line?
(Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice T. Gooley, DVIDS)
