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Should you expose yourself?


Respected Ron was starting his work day from the home office.  Making himself comfortable behind his beautiful mahogany desk, Ron settled into that oversized leather chair while contemplating which task he would jump into first.  He decided to start with taking a look at a handful of contracts awaiting his input.  Suddenly, that all too familiar feeling washed over Ron and he began to fidget in his chair, internally Ron was torn on how he should share his perspectives.  It seemed that he had so many things to consider in this digital age, Ron reminisces for a brief moment on how much simpler business seemed when folks met face to face.  However, at the current pace, there is simply not enough time in the day.  Given the single dimension of computer-based communication, Ron had to consider his approach, here are some of his thoughts:



  • create a dependency | of course, I will spin a web that nobody can escape.  Darn, just then Ron remembered a conversation with his Father years ago.  Ron, said Reliable Rick, Ron's Father, if when you place your finger in the middle of a glass of water, and after pulling your finger out of the water a finger slot is still in the glass, you are irreplaceable.
  • CYA |  you know, those always copying everyone in the company with email, come on.  Also, those who have saved every email from the beginning of time.  What exactly is the desired outcome?  For you to say, "I told you so", really?
  • found out | I have arrived at this elevated position; however, the foundation is a bit shaky.  Possibly a battle-field promotion or you are a great salesperson, selling your talents.  Either way, down deep inside you fear that you should not be in the position and that lack of confidence oozes out when making these types of decisions.
  • judged by few or many | one of the root issues with collaboration is the spotlight which sometimes shines on individuals.  If I only send one person an email with a response, my exposure is contained; however, post a response to a conversation in a public environment, all bets are off.



As Ron reflected on his thoughts he began to see a theme.  Could it be that he was not trusting or worse yet, not trustworthy?  Possibly he was stymied by social mores?  No, those are both too vague, maybe a part of him lacked confidence. His anxiety, and time consuming contemplation of how to share, could be more about how he perceived himself within the organization and how that persona was accepted by others.  Feeling a bit nauseous from his mental merry go round, Ron decided to forget about all of it, and only focus on the bigger picture of what drives the most value to his fellow teammates and the enterprise. 
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