My boss quit. The one who tried to hire someone else for the job I've been acting in for 7 months. She was actually my boss' boss, but I'm acting in my boss' job. Anyway, she's gone and her 2nd attempt to recruit someone else has been cancelled. I don't know what this means for my future with the organization. But I'm puzzled over something she said.
She called me a "salt of the earth guy". Or was it a "salting the earth kind of guy"??? ;P No, I'm pretty sure it was the first one. But I'm not sure what she meant. Most people in the organization assume she doesn't like me--because they also thought I was the best choice to move up. More than one person asked me if I killed her dog or did something else personal to get on her bad side. As far as I know, nothing like that happened.
I thought the expression had a positive meaning, but didn't know what it meant (exactly). After googling it, I still don't. I came across Bible references--something about losing flavor, being good for nothing and getting cast out.
So what did she mean, this person who others think doesn't like me? Are you familiar with the expression? Would you take it as a compliment???
according to the wisefolk (aka Google results), it means:
ReplyDelete"a person of great kindness", "thoroughly good types", "useful to the community" "referencing that salt is valuable"
so i'd say she was paying you a compliment :)
Thanks Kathy--it's weird I only found religioud references.
DeleteOh I'm not familiar with that expression but I'm sure she meant it as a compliment, you were working so hard the last couple of months, so she must have said something good before she left!
ReplyDeleteYou never know!!! =)
DeleteI am not familiar with the expression but I am going to go with Kathy's wisefolk search results. I think you are a very wise person and that hopefully you will get what is due to come your way. You deserve that promo and the title.
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind. If I claimed to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know.
DeleteI dunno much about this expression and googled it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/salt-of-the-earth.html
Original meaning seems positive though it has been used negatively as what you have mentioned.
Just take it as a compliment even if she meant it in the negative way coz her views are none of your concern as long as you and the rest of the people definitely know your worth in the company.
Have a lovely midweek.
And she's gone, so who cares, right??? =)
DeleteWe discussed this in one of our Christian Living classes back in high school, and I know it is meant to be a compliment. But if she didn't promote you, well, have you tried to talk to her about it and ask why?
ReplyDeleteShe blamed it on legal techicalities---which have now expired.
DeleteIt's a positive thing, but that could make her hate you (if she does indeed) even more coz she can't figure out why!
ReplyDeleteHey, that would explain a lot! lol
DeleteI have only ever taken it to have a positive meaning. I just used it last week to describe someone. When I used it I meant they were a good person, the kind of person you would want as your next-door neighbour.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nashe though. Just because it means something good doesn't mean that endeared you to your boss. Sometimes good character qualities in a person can be very confronting to a person who "has issues."
You and Nashe have handed me a great gift. Whenever someone doesn't like me.... Haha!
DeleteI haven't heard of the expression!! I don't know what to think about it.
ReplyDeleteI was curious, but I've let it go. However she meant it doesn't matter. =)
DeleteHmm this is a curious expression! I didn't think it was insulting.. though she makes it sound like it should be. I thought it meant that you're someone who is very grounded, pragmatic and maybe not imaginative?
ReplyDeleteAmish!!! =) I had that same impression before.
DeleteAre we using the same Google?
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_of_the_earth
(Hopefully not an arm and a leg)
I don't know what to tell you. Fate (and google) must have wanted me on the religious pages. =)
DeleteHmm..I also know it came from a biblical passage..but I'm really not sure what it means. It sounds like a compliment though because if I was compared to salt, I'll be really happy. Haha. It's what gives life..I mean...food flavor and what's life without good food right? Haha.
ReplyDeleteAssuming it's a compliment though..if said by a person who doesn't seem to like you..hmm..she can also be sarcastic??
Haha. Sorry. I'm really not helping. I think I'm confusing you more.
I'm thinking msybe she was serious, but doesn't necessarily think it's a good thing.
Deletehmm, i remember in the bible there's someone's wife that looked back and she turned into salt? not sure what she means by that to you either haha
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, the nosey lady turned into a whole pillar of salt. Maybe I'll just assume the former boss really liked salt and that was her way of telling me she really liked me. I actually think she did like me...but others disagree.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how I would respond to that. You took it gracefully and didn't ask, whereas I would pull the inquisitive, innocent - "Salt of the earth? You mean that in the nice way, right?" LOL
ReplyDeleteMost questionable comments directed at me just roll off--I'm more reactive when a comment is directed at friends or family. But once a person shows they are in the habit of making borderline comments, I get in the habit of questioning them about it. I've had fun with a boss or two over the years. =)
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