I used to have a boss that rarely ever accepted any of the work I shipped without critiquing it on how it could have been better (even when it was amazing). It hurt in the moment, every time. But by damn did my work reach a whole new level every time I shipped because of it.
I have a friend who, if you know him, is extremely optimistic. Yet, time and time again I hear him telling other people about worst case scenarios. It took me a bit to realize he was doing it to manipulate them to think positively about their experience. When he was the one to be pessimistic, they would get defensive and in being defensive, would actually become optimistic.
In short, we’re pretty easily manipulated.
It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, that if you’re really upset about something, maybe…maybe maybe the result of being upset is that you try harder, care more, ship better work, remain more optimistic, and so on.
Stay Positive & Manipulation Seems Less Of A Bad Thing, Doesn’t It?
- Easily Manipulated - February 14, 2025
- Two Types Of Feedback - February 13, 2025
- Piecing It Together - February 12, 2025
