I want to take advantage of others’ experiences. But isn’t it phony for me to use some technique I read about in a business blog?
For example, I might come across a podcast at Manager Tools that talks about how to give feedback. The podcast tells me rules to follow, words to say, and how to behave. If I do this, then aren’t I a phony?
Yeah, no. Maybe this concern doesn’t even make sense to you. It was a real one for me. I’m still recovering from some of the bad stereotypes that some software types foster.
People who write software often drift to an overly-simplified world view. We believe that good ideas win more often than not. The decision is based on merit. All you need is a fair overview and logic prevails. The failure of good ideas is often because of sneaky word bending by salesy types.
Again: yeah, no. People aren’t so smart. We often make decisions based on feelings and only then start rationalizing. Yes, even you über-logical programmer types.
It’s legitimate to worry about becoming a better people person, not just a better logician. I understand that the people I work with are not objects to be fixed or discarded. They are people with their own motives and needs.
But, back to using other people’s ideas.
I read because I’m anxious to become better. As a new manager, I can’t possibly know all the best ways to do things. I will use systems and techniques I learn about from others.
Manager Tools is a great site because they think through a lot of issues beforehand. They explain to you their relative importance and inter-workings based on their own experience.
Ideas are Better Stolen than Borrowed
I always try to give credit to the source of my ideas. For example, the source of this heading (for me) was my High School German teacher, Mr. Kerry Moore. He told me, “Tyler, the truly great performers don’t borrow: they steal.” (Oh yeah, he was also the musical director.)
I read articles. I apply my understanding. If I believe it then I use it. I make it my own. I give full credit to those that gave me the idea. Then I use it as my own.
As important as attribution is, over the long-term I hope to gut, rebuild, and internalize good ideas so that they are mine — much like thieves might strip down a stolen car to sell its parts. We shouldn’t keep the ideas we find in mint condition waiting for the day that we can give them back to their “true” owners.
If you see me using a tool you’ve seen elsewhere I freely admit I’m not that smart. I thank you for letting me benefit from others’ experiences. I plan on stealing from every good source I can find.
If I believe it, I’ll use it. If I use it, I believe it. No phonies here.
