Jamesthecuteitguy

At every company in Silicon Valley there's one I.T. professional who counters the stereotype of unclean, unkempt little geek who never sees daylight and prefers computers to people. Finding Jamesthecuteitguy can make your tenure at any job supercalifragilisticexpialidocius.

This "other" I.T. guy is the one you want to find right away when you start at any new company. He smells good - like laundry soap. A generational match, he is sexy and interesting to talk to. Casual, but has a style, and wears hats on bad hair days so that no one will ever know.

You are almost glad when there's a problem with your computer, or you get to report that the network is down again. Let's face it: Being Cute makes him easy to forgive when your machine crashes. If you're lucky, maybe you'll have something in common with him, like an alma mater or a favorite author. You enjoy talking to him while he "drives" your computer because he is also 30 something and in the same business you are - the business of solving problems.

Even when your tiny computer glitches are annoying to him, he doesn't let you know. When you whine a little, because lets face it, technology can really suck, he forgives. He gives you his full attention in the moment he looks up from that computer, and he's never far from a joke or a smile. When your little secret slips out and he realizes you've been calling him "Jamesthecuteitguy" behind his back, he doesn't bat an eye.

Imagining your company without him is a very sad picture, but all of a sudden, you have to see it. And as you look, you begin to understand why the big pizza lunch going away party. It becomes obvious when James' final e-mail goes out - cheery and positive with a message just for you - that every person in your entire company feels that way. Two week's of favorite restaurants and gifts don't make his leaving any easier because James' relationship with everyone in your company is like the photo mosaic he keeps in his cubicle.

He is Jamesthegolfingitguy for Andrew, and Jamesthelifeguarditguy for Mary, and Jamesthesocceritguy for Sam. He gives everyone a high level of attention and service, and shares a small piece of who he is with EVERYONE - the piece that each person can best relate to. But each employee of the company is standing with you - just a little bit too close, focused on his role as their own, personal, I.T. professional, to see the final image.

He is someone you won't be able to find all that often; someone who is very special to absolutely everyone. G'bye, James! I'll miss you (a lot). And not just because you were cute. Best of Luck!