Category Archives: Work

#173 The balance sheet

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From time to time the thought crosses my mind, “I’ve had a few victories recently, a loss is not going to matter.” When a stakeholder complains, I think to myself, “I’ve worked really hard and done some really creative work, you need me more than I need you, why are you complaining? Don’t you appreciate what I am doing for you?”

This line of thinking does not reflect an understanding of the balance sheet approach to work outputs. I may have a lot of assets, but if I have an above than optimal set of liabilities, I will be a danger to myself and to others.

Guard against a feeling of entitlement, a sense that the world owes you something. The world appreciates the good things you do, it even appreciates your efforts, willpower, and resilience. What the world will not appreciate, and you will lose points for, is the expectation that your mistakes are excusable, and can be ignored.

Whether you do something well, or you commit a blunder, just observe them, learn from them, and move on to the next adventure.

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#172 Dependence

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The modern workplace requires interdependence. Tasks are complex, technology simplifies some tasks, but requires new behaviors, thus created unexpected complexity. Task dependency is a pain, but a bigger problem is emotional dependency.

Your co-workers can be a source of strength, or they can drain your strength. They can cheer you on, or pick imaginary holes in your ideas. They can applaud you for your achievements or punish you for your errors and failures.

The true source of strength is within you. This means:

  • Identify and mitigate risks in your workplace. Have a plan B, in case plan A fails, falters, or veers off course. This will make you less dependent on individuals, without abandoning interdependence.
  • Be compassionate with your co-workers for their thoughtless speech and action. You have to forgive them, for they know not what they do. Do not let your self-confidence by impacted negatively or positively, work to achieve equanimity.
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