Michael Scott

A quick forewarning: this blog post revolves around a character from The Office, and if you haven't made it through Season 7, it may or may not ruin the entire show for you. So, stop reading, I guess? Check out this link instead!

For the rest of you that are familiar with Michael Scott, you are aware of what a character he is. The Office is a show about a regional branch of a paper company. It takes place mostly in the paper sales office, and the plot-line consists of interactions between all of the people working there. Michael is the regional manager, the guy in charge of the branch. And man, he's such an idiot! (I say this adoringly, he turns out to be a great character.) The show revolves mostly around Michael screwing something up or offending someone, and the entire office trying to undo the damages. His love life is a mess and he has no financial knowledge, and he's always insulting his employees and making terrible decisions on behalf of the entire staff of Dunder-Mifflin.

However, he's not the only one risking the well-being of the staff. Dwight is a handful, and Andy and Kevin make their fair share of mistakes as well. But the biggest issues usually lead back to Michael. On rare occasions - small, five second clips, perhaps - you might see him actually make a good decision, or have one smart comment. But the show mostly highlights his stupidity.

And then, he leaves. Near the end of season 7, he finally falls in love with the perfect dork to balance him out, and he gets engaged with her and moves to Colorado so she can take care of her parents. Holly and Michael are adorable, yes. Finally, Michael can settle down and start a family. But in that last episode before he leaves, he says goodbye to everyone without them realizing it. He told the entire office that he doesn't leave until the next day, but in reality he will board a plane that evening. Only Jim picks up on this, and only Jim and Pam truly get to say goodbye. After 15 years of dedicated work at a small paper business, Michael is leaving. And somehow, there are 3 more seasons without Michael. I can't stand it. He's integral to the show. And it's that final episode that really hits home...

He brings so much more than his disastrous decisions to the office. He brings humor, love, and he makes the office fun, even when he takes it too far. He creates the plot-line of the office. And at the end of the day, he is a brilliant leader and loyal friend. He considers his employees to be his best friends and practically family, and does his best to make that clear and take care of them even when they don't reciprocate.

So, as I sat there in my pajamas, sobbing as Michael hugs Pam in the airport terminal, that was when I truly appreciated the character of Michael Gary Scott. He surprised everyone on that show, and everyone watching. I am hopeful that he returns to the show later, because it feels like there is a gap without him there. 

Even the most unlikely people can become great leaders, and everyone has an important role in the world. I'll close this post with a quote from Michael.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. -Wayne Gretzky" 
-Michael Scott.

That is all. Whatever you do, be a leader and take chances. Michael Scott can't teach us much, but he taught me to be more daring. A truly inspiring fictional character.

Claire
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