I was thinking back to my college years yesterday. I was remembering how well I did in all my classes, even though I didn’t study quite as much as I should have. You see, I had a technique for cheating.
Well, it’s unfair to call it cheating. It’s more about understanding how the world works and applying it to my life. And even more than that, it was about communication. It was about putting a little extra effort into the right things. Want to know what it is?
As soon as possible in the school year, I would visit the professor – either after class or in their office. I would ask them a question – usually something I didn’t understand from their lecture. Then I would let them know that I was wanting to get an A in their class. And there was the secret: I let people know what I was expecting.
I knew it was fully within my power to get an A. And I made sure my professor knew what I was shooting for. When it came down to grading tests or making curves, I found they would do whatever they could to help me get an A. It was the different between a high B and a low A usually.
(I know this worked, because there were people who did the exact same work and got the same grades…but my grade would always be higher.)
Now I call this cheating because it feels wrong. But it isn’t wrong. It’s how us humans work. People want to help you out if they know that you’re trying.
So when I have a conflict with someone. When I need assistance. I simply communicate. I let people know what my goals are and give them a chance to help.
It’s not manipulative. It’s never forceful. It’s just giving them a chance to help me succeed if they choose to – and they almost always choose to.
And another good one. I’m getting to catch up on your blogs if you can’t tell already. Dead time at work. I’ve run out of creative busywork to do. Keep ’em coming. I like.
And another good one. I’m getting to catch up on your blogs if you can’t tell already. Dead time at work. I’ve run out of creative busywork to do. Keep ’em coming. I like.