Human beings never reveal all of our emotions.
We don’t simply blurt out the first thing that pops into our head in a meeting, or insult someone upon meeting them. We’re able to give people the benefit of the doubt (which requires doubt before we can offer the benefit) and to plan for the long haul.
And yet we do this essential work without thinking about it or working to get better at it.
When we’re engaging with someone, both sides benefit. And a key part of our contribution to the interaction is a willingness to conceal emotions that would undermine the efforts of our partner in this work.
There’s a lot to be said for honesty and directness. But concealment can be a generous tool if it helps everyone get to where they need to go.
March 3, 2023
If you get a 99% quality haircut or a 99% close-to-perfect meal, it’s better than good.
On the other hand, if the scrub nurse only does a 99% job of disinfecting the tools in the operating room, you’re still going to die of an infection.
Some projects respond very well to ordinary effort and 99% perfect. In fact, the last 1% isn’t worth the time, the effort or the focus.
Others fail if they’re not fully and completely to spec.
Knowing the difference between the two saves everyone a lot of stress and avoids needless cost and avoidable disasters. We come out ahead when we put our energy into the projects that reward our effort and choose to meet spec with the others.
March 2, 2023
In two weeks, I’ll be hosting a live webinar about my new book, answering questions and connecting people to get serious in discussing the new way of work. The details are here. I hope you can make it.
It’s possible that I’ve now written more bestselling business titles than any other author. Part of that is simply longevity and showing up, but most of it is your doing. The loyal readers of this blog (more than twenty years and still going) are the foundation of my career as an author, and I never forget it.
The realities of the supply chain mean that my publisher needs to make difficult decisions about paper, printing and logistics long before the book ships. Organizing and talking with readers now helps make sure there are enough books in June… and hosting a conversation, QA and celebration always seems like a good idea. Pre-order a book, come hang out online.
I hope you can make it.
Thank you.
March 1, 2023
