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Throughout my experiences, I have gathered nuggets of value. Some of these I wrote about in my book. Others, I discuss in this forum. Collectively, they constitute elements of Technology Persuasion. All are aimed at trying to make technologists more effective and more successful. Today’s coin is this:
“If you’re not in the know, you’re not in the go. “
Now, what in the world does that mean?
Well, let’s look at it this way. Suppose there is a new position opening in the company. The rumors have been flying around like missiles. It would be a great advancement for you if they selected you for the position. All your associates tell you that you are the ideal candidate and they cannot wait to work for you. It’s Monday, and you understand from the rumor-mill that the president will make his choice by Friday. No one in management has contacted you, yet. Will you be selected?
No.
If you’re not in the know, you’re not in the go.
In other words, if you were the selectee, you would already have been interviewed. You would already have had some hints from management. Someone in decision-making authority would have been asking you questions, giving you hints, priming you for the event. You would know something. The fact that you know nothing means you will not be selected. People who are on the “go” list are, of necessity, on the “know” list.
I have never been to the Oscars and know nothing about the process for announcing the best actress, actor, movie, or director. However, I have been on this earth long enough to know that such announcements are not surprises. There are too many things that have to fall into place. Too many things that must be right. People vote. People influence. Movie clips have to be made. The “envelopes” must be printed up. The losers may not know, but the winners certainly do know.
Understand what I am saying. Bad news can, and usually does, come as a complete surprise, without your knowing ahead of time. Bad news is a tsunami. Without the slightest inkling, you might be told that the company is reorganizing and you will be left out in the cold. You might even be fired without any prior warning.
Because of certain circumstances involving my company and national security, I have been in the position of having to fire a number of persons who were given no prior notice whatsoever. Was this fair? No. Was this reasonable? Not in the minds of the people who were fired. Was this really required? The government and the company thought so.
But good news is never a surprise. Rest assured that the person who will inherit your group, the person who will be promoted over you does, indeed, know, and not at the last minute. First of all, the company must ensure that person will accept the job. The company must validate compensation, staff, and other factors. The company will want to ensure that the individual to be promoted is the right choice, that he or she will actually accept the position. The company will want that person to hit the ground running. The last thing they want is for that person to be dumb as a post and have no idea what to do. No. That person is in the know. You are not. Thus,
…. if you are not in the know, you are not in the go.
Now, you can fret about this or you can be the Persuasive Wizard and use it to advantage. Let us consider that the company plans a reorganization. Rumors have been flying around for weeks and no one in the decision making authority chain has talked to you. Why? Simple. You are not part of the mix. Face it.
But, knowing this, you can begin to think about your strategy. You can think about how you will respond, for example. When Friday’s announcement comes, you can plan how you want to react. You can begin, now, to set your actions in place. If you are a woman, the last thing you need to do is cry. If you are a man, the last thing you need to do is sulk and pout. Man or woman, it is not a time for retreat. Always be the Persuasive Wizard.
What might be good actions? What can you do with the knowledge. What actions will be helpful to you and your career?
That would depend upon the particular circumstances, which would be different for different cases. The important part is that you know something that none of your peers know (probably). You will not be selected. Maybe you want to put some “feelers” out for other jobs that might be available. Maybe you want to live to fight another day. Whatever you decide to do, you, at least, are circumspect. You have one piece of information that is valuable. You just have to decide how to use it to advantage.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that you might be selected, that you will use this nugget to brace yourself just in case you are not selected. It does not work that way. Why do you think I’m writing this? All the disappointment will still show. All your reactions will be there. You are not an actor or actress. You are the Persuasive Wizard. Take the coin and recognize its face value.
If you are not in the know, you are not in the go.
Spend the coin to advantage.