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Boss Quote by Gary Lutz

“The boss had a long list of reasons for letting me go--most of which, I am ashamed to admit, were generously understated. It's true, for instance, that I hogged the photocopier for hours on end and snapped at whoever politely--deferentially--inquired about how much longer I would be. I was intent…” quote by Gary Lutz
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““The boss had a long list of reasons for letting me go--most of which, I am ashamed to admit, were generously understated. It's true, for instance, that I hogged the photocopier for hours on end and snapped at whoever politely--deferentially--inquired about how much longer I would be. I was intent on achieving definitively sooty, penumbral effects to ensure that copies looked like copies, and that, of course, took time. Some days I spent entire afternoons reproducing blank sheets of paper, ream after ream, to use instead of the "FROM THE DESK OF--" notepads the boss kept ordering for each of us.””

Gary Lutz

About This Quote

Source Essay: “Office Life” (2010)

The narrator admits over‑indulgent habits at work, highlighting how perfectionism and ego can lead to wasted time and strained relations.

In simple terms: Obsessive perfectionism wastes time and harms relationships.

Key Takeaway

Balance quality with efficiency.

Themes

workplace culture ego productivity

Mood

self‑critical reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • office tasks
  • team dynamics
  • personal productivity

Key Concepts

Perfectionism time management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits waste your workday?
  • How can you maintain standards without overdoing it?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionism can hinder progress.

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