you will know me by the back of my head

When I first started doing what I do, it would have been called an unusual job. Now, I can probably name several jobs which have facial identity crisis problems : bus driver, ambulance drivers, taxis drivers, conductors, piano players (if they are up against a wall), computer programers (we are getting closer), graphic designers, but at some point all these folks will turn around to face you, and make a little eye contact. I can go a whole day talking over my shoulder and it is rarely expected that I have to make any eye contact. Unless I am getting really serious...and I need a little feedback, perhaps.

I started styling my hair with all this in mind. French braids, lovely short curly bobs, crazy hair clips -- clients would nod with approval and say that I was looking good that day. They weren't looking at my face, just the "do".

At some point, I started cautiously turning around and trying to inject myself into the day-to-day conversations of the people behind me -- this would often illicit curious or blank stares. I was often surprised to find that I had a room full of people staring intently at the back of my head and beyond to the screen in front of me. Quickly I learned that opinions were of low priority, and that, show and tell was my best route to success. I got better feedback if I never twirled around in my chair. It gave me authority and distance, which engendered respect. I can live with that, who wouldn't. Or so I thought.