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Real Life Lessons
Some lessons are sentimental. Some lessons are cynical. Some lessons are real and substantial. Let's share the lessons that can be applied in our real life that will help us get the things we really want done.
My lesson comes in the form of a brief story.
My second job ever was a tech support position for an ISP. This company had crappy computers. I spent a lot of time complaining about the computers, but 18 months passed and nothing was ever done about them. Enter new hotshot employee who agrees that computers suck. Well, this guy didn't complain about them like I did. He drafted up a simple document that illustrated the cost of replacing the computers and their benefit for the efficiency of the department. He received instant management approval.
The lesson learned was that if you want something from someone, you have to speak their language. In terms of speaking to management, it is a simple matter of weighing cost/effort against benefit. It is also a matter of clearly defining what is needed and estimating the residual effect. Since I learned this lesson, I have applied it to how I conduct myself in the professional world and in other areas of my life.
Anyone else have any real life lessons to share?
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