Unoriginal Wisdom: #1 Play it Forward
Aaron Murrell
Software Engineering Executive | VP of Engineering at Switchboard Health
Some of the most profound and meaningful lessons I have learned were absorbed in moments that probably seemed rather ordinary to the person imparting the knowledge to me.
Today, I was reflecting with gratitude on some of the wisdom-gifts that my colleagues and mentors have given me over the course of my career.? Over the coming days and weeks I plan on sharing a series of unoriginal (i.e. things I can't take credit for) life-lessons that have had a profound impact on me. ?Here’s the first installment:
Play it Forward –
Before you respond to that Slack message, write that email, construct that slide, or have that conversation, take a moment to game out what the second and third order consequences of your action will likely bring about. Ask yourself:?Is this the best way to get to the desired outcome?? Roll the tape forward on how your message will be heard and reacted to.? Think about the actions you may or may not set into motion. Evaluate your own heart and motives and consider whether your timing, tone, or content will bring the best possible outcomes if you play the situation through to the end. Take a moment to realize that most of the time, the most emotionally satisfying response to a situation is not the best one.
Allison (Kingsley) Morrow will probably be the first to tell you that this is not original to her, but she’s the one who shared this with me.? Thanks Allison.? “Play it Forward” plays in the back of my head on repeat now.
Great read, Aaron! 'Playing it Forward' is such a valuable approach applying what we've learned and sharing it can make a real impact.
Data Analyst | SQL, Power BI, Python | Data analysis and data visualization that reveals business insights
5 个月This is good advice. For those of us who tend to think too much before hitting send: “take a moment to game out the likely consequences”…just a moment, not an entire hour.
Leader for Transformational Change & Growth
5 个月Aaron Murrell - thanks for the shoutout! I have to give credit to the original person who shared this nugget of wisdom with me, Mark DeShay. Mark - I don't know if you even recall ever saying this to me when I was just an analyst trying to survive every day, but it seems to really resonate with a lot of people (including myself). Thanks for your wisdom and willingness to coach those around you!