In a meeting at the mau5trap today I used the phrase “I didn’t get where I am today…” and then had to explain the humor and it immediately struck me that it was an obvious precursor to The Office. Given Ricky Gervais is only 4-years younger than me he’d have definately been influenced by the original 1970’s The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin tv series and the follow-ons.

I went looking for a YouTube clip and came across this one. Yes, it’s dated. But the content couldn’t be more relevant. The clip, from a program originally aired in October 1976. Not only does it contain some great examples of Reggies acerbic wit, which was a hallmark of the series but he also makes fun of the mediocre, pompous, ex-Army styles that were common in the workplace in the UK still in the 1970’s when I started.

The speech though touches a number of key issues that didn’t come to the fore for a number of years; he talks about growth, chemicals, pollution, destruction of the natural environment, societal approach to weight, food, war and more. I didn’t get where I am today by continuing to work in that environment, CJ.