Wu Shu (Daily Success): September 2007 Archives

I don't like Manager Speak. The modern world is endlessly convoluted with this rapidly growing language comprised of ubiquitous terminology, vexing acronyms and nonsensical vagaries. (i.e. "Bob, can you explain your game plan for sales in Q3?" "Absolutely! We're going to capitalize all opportunities both known and unknown while keeping an eye on the bottom line and maximizing profitability through top-line focus and bottom-line awareness." "Great! ... Wait a minute...")

It's a dangerous thing because the more fluent you become in Manager Speak the more English becomes a second language, nearly crippling the communication process.

The reason that I'm bringing Manager Speak up is to illustrate the importance of perceptions. Take, for instance, the manager who communicates nearly exclusively through Manager Speak. If someone came readily to mind there is an extreme likelihood that this person is not respected as someone that has anything to say. The idea is to avoid being someone who will say anything when they don't have anything to say.

There are many variations on the popular quotation, "Perception is 90% of reality", all of which are probably very valid. There are competing arguments woven throughout various faiths, business models and media ranging from the idea that the entire world is simply the creation of the individual mind to "Nothingness Theories" that preach the concept of nothing actually existing on any level. Whatever belief it may be that you subscribe to, success in one's career hangs heavily upon the hinge of perception.

So, anecdotal rambling aside, what are some things that help cultivate a favorable perception in the eyes of those around us? The single greatest asset in this constant opportunity is the inner character. The concept of living your values and representing something definite is not only the most important idea one can focus on, it is the most difficult one to remain diligent in exercise. Keep this idea in mind, though: No matter who it is that you are, be that person constantly and those around you will quickly learn to respect your presence. If you are wavering and infrequently the same person, those above you and below you will never know where you stand and will therefore not consider you as powerful or respectable as they might have.

Perception is valuable in all aspects of the Career Ninja's practice. An employee that knows where you stand on things will simply not create problems for themselves or you. Your direct command, when knowing who you are, will be much more likely to turn to you in situations of trust and value your opinion much more so than that of the inconstant character.

Simply put, be who you are every single day and you will establish yourself in the eyes of everyone that matters, including (first and absolutely foremost) yourself.

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It was a flawless day in the Garden of the Masters. The fragrant cherry blossoms wandered silently between the Sun's warming beams and the barely present breeze to the patient Earth while distant chimes rang, rounding out the final course in this feast for the senses.

Early noon found two quiet individuals slowly and purposefully advancing into a secluded grove. The first wore a quiet calm that spoke of a readiness and confidence that, over the years, had stunned many in presence and awed more in rumor. The second moved with the same grace as the breeze that gently nudged the blossoms from their home, insinuating rather than asserting and leaving the onlooker with a feeling of deep calm and respect.

Each was aware of the presence of the other for some time, for here were the avatars of the arts of Ninpo and Wu Shu, respectively. Each regarded the other as it became clear to both that they were mutually intending to enjoy the placid calm of the grove.

"Old friend, I find joy in your companionship on this flawless day." Wu Shu calmly and almost impartially spoke with a perfectly courteous hint of a smile and a bow that, if advanced, could easily have been the very beginning of a long, flowing motion from which no one could look.

Returning the courteous gesture with a genuine bow of the head and a placid, meditative expression, Ninpo replied, "Yes, for joy shared is joy twice doubled. Will you join me for tea on this truly idyllic day, friend?"

As effortless as their entrance, each produced a thin pillow and took a seat across from one another next to an ancient stone table adorned with the last scant millimeters of timeless symbols nearly lost in the current of countless years.

The Sun meandered across the azure expanse. Each blossom petal fell in perfect syncopation. The conversation between Wu Shu and Ninpo moved much like a ribbon released to a steady draft, each complimenting the others' contribution in turn.

As the shadows' daily march brought their reaches near to the opposing end of the courtyard, another natural process took hold. Just as the elements test one another in their constant posturing to maintain balance, Ninpo and Wu Shu very calmly began to discuss and compare their arts to one another

Ninpo, the consummate master of strategy and preparation, was the initiator of the contest, though unchangingly respectful line of conversation.

"Tell me, Wu Shu, which do you feel is the more valuable trait, calm or preparation?"

"In knowing one the true warrior will know both, Ninpo. Exclusivity breeds imbalance."
While thoughtfully acknowledging Wu Shu's comment, the subtle feline smile of a successfully sprung trap danced upon Ninpo's face.

"Balance is paramount in the practice of any bound for true success, yes, but where have you placed focus, dear friend? Without focus there can be no advancement, as the bird that chases two mice will catch none, and that selfsame bird in hand is worth two in the bush."

Wu Shu, having spent millenia becoming familiar with nothing and thusly being truly ready for all things, gazed placidly at this conversational snare while deftly disarming it. "Your very spirit speaks to the notion of readiness through preparation and forecast, Ninpo. Is it not true that disciples of your art are diligent students of each predictable variable, including even the movement of the moon and stars in order to accurately gauge even the depths of the sea through which they will move in their readiness?"

Ninpo smiled, for this fact spoke very truly of the extent to which the practitioners of Ninpo would go in order to properly assess a situation. Ninpo's students were widely feared by their opponents in battle and the gaming hall alike, leaving each with either an enemy's blood on blade or coins in purse. "This is true, Wu Shu, for without complete knowledge of one's environment how can one act with complete certainty that each action will embody the intention behind it?"

Wu Shu's reply, more even than the fluid grace of speech and gesture, embodied that which Wu Shu represented. "You speak of focus, my fellow avatar. However, who is it that can focus on each and every aspect of each thing? Without the complete knowledge of the path of each atom concerned, how can one possess an absolute certainty through which to act in complete disregard of doubt? It cannot be, for each variable consists of an infinite number of variables, the calculation of which would lead to an eternity spent attempting to realize the path of a single blossom' fall." As if to punctuate the comment and the end of the discussion, a single blossom came to rest in the very center of the table between them, symbolizing both the impossibility of certainty and the importance of awareness of all things.

Again in balance, each having presented through both action and speech the virtues of their arts, Ninpo and Wu Shu stood and, with the love and honor of the masters of any art, bowed and silently left the grove to the blossoms and the shadows.

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Within the field of human activity, self expression is one of the highest virtues imaginable.  Our movie stars, writers, painters, comedians are all recognized for the distinct qualities they bring to their performance.  Jim Carrey broke it big by shattering the notion of what made physical comedy.  Robin Williams single handedly saved Aladdin from being an atrocious movie, and Van Gogh reshaped the art world by being, well, Van Gogh.

So why is it then that it seems that so many of our interactions are defined by a different set of standards, one that puts acceptability and adhering to a social norm above this right to expression?  Somewhere along the way, who knows when, it became important that we uphold a particular image.  Maintain an unchanging social profile.  Be yourself.  But that's an impossible dream, once that suffocates creativity and fails to acknowledge the dynamic and ever changing nature of human relationships and personalities.  Even the most outgoing and realized individual may face times where they feel sad, spend some time alone, or act a little goofy.

Self expression is about reaching deeper inside, underneath the layers of shoulds and social conditioning to a more raw, unconditioned place.  It's about having the courage to replace "This is who I need to be" and exclaim "This is who I want to be".  In that place lives a certain energy that gives vitality and creativity to whatever it touches.  Analyzing what you're about to say saps the creative process with second guessing, coloring it with an heartlessness that is obvious to anyone who observes it.  When you speak from the heart, there is a conviction that has the potential to reach another person and touch their universe in a way that could only be your own.

One of the ways I like to view life is as an interplay of ideas.  Someone says something to you, and then you decide how to respond.  They respond back and we start to evolve.  When you start to look at it that way, opportunities abound and your life becomes a bit like a Choose Your Own Adventure book.  It's not even important where you end up, you just get to check out all the different sights.

Consider the last time you shared a funny story or joke.  The moment you try and recite it, it becomes forced and you're stuck with the unenviable position of convincing everyone in the room that yes, you really did say something funny.  You might even have to explain the punchline.  Gah!!!  What a nightmare!  Yet it always (well not always, but often) seems that the funny moments are when someone is just sloppy enough to reveal an embarrassing detail about themselves or speak their mind and then step back and say Oh my god, did I just say that?!?

The highlight of my day yesterday was browsing the best of Craigslist section and enjoying the myriad posts that expressed all the different ways that we humans interact (and get ourselves into trouble).  One in particular stood out more than the others:
lvl 8 ogre mage seeks moon queen or druid
I opened it up and bust out laughing as I saw a picture of a dude in full roleplaying gear side by side with some sort of bizarre gaming figurine.  I could not help but appreciate someone who was unabashedly unafraid of showing a very personal side of himself and express his heart desires.  And with such a charming and funny post, I imagine he was quite successful at attracting the attention of numerous women.

When you start to appreciate the foibles and quirks of other people, something magical starts to happen.  Life ceases to be a struggle and instead becomes a wonderful play of human expression.  Each new person you meet is distinct and shows you a different side of the possibilities of life.  You welcome the unusual and with that people flower around you.  They feel comfortable being themselves and with that, you may even find that they stop exhibiting some of the personality traits that most people would consider annoying.  At the same time by doing so, you create a space in which you are welcome to express yourself.  By making them comfortable, they will want you to be comfortable.  That's a whole lot easier than trying to change people (unsuccessfully) to match your ideal.

The next time you're talking to someone and ask yourself if you should say something strange or unexpected, consider doing it.  So long as it's not nasty or critical, you may come across as more genuine and be the beginning of a deeper conversation.  Keep doing it, and who knows.  You might find the real you showing up.