I'm not a robot

You must always be able to predict what's next and then have the flexibility to evolve.

- Marc Benioff -

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I'll be honest and say I'm not sure I one hundred percent agree with that quote above; it's the must always be able to predict part I'm not totally sold on. I mean, I agree in principle, however it's not always possible to predict what may come next.

I had a great work day today. It was my first back at the office after recovering from the flu and I managed to spend most of it out on the road meeting with clients and potential clients.

It was super-productive and, on the way home I was thinking about the meetings, my performance, how I represented the company, presented to the potential clients, dealt with objections and I thought about what I did well or could have done better. Those things, and more, are typical considerations at the end of my work day as they help me plan for the future. So, what did I learn?

Learned nothing

I didn't really learn anything, but that doesn't mean there wasn't value to be gained from the evaluation. You see, sometimes evaluating oneself and finding nothing but the confirmation that a good performance was delivered is exactly what a person needs. It builds confidence and momentum which can lead to greater results.

Back to the quote

Having flexibility to adapt to changing situations is important in the role I have now and has been critical in the past roles over my working life. I think that goes without saying though really; flexibility is one of the most important personality traits one can have. Being able to predict what comes next though? OK, it was only a couple paragraphs ago I was saying I wasn't sure about it but - here's the thing folks - I can't always predict what may come next when I'm working with clients but having an understanding of what might possibly come next is well within my ability. Let me explain.

I'm not a robot

Through training, research, study and experience it's been possible for me to have a clear understanding of the possible scenarios that may present themselves. Sure, it's impossible to know, but humans can be quite predictable and so, with enough thought and effort, it's feasible that one can learn most of what may come. Spend some more time and effort learning how to circumvent, adapt to, mitigate, solve or be flexible with those things and one is on the way towards getting the job done.

I don't approach my job like a robot programmed to do a thing no matter what; I've never approached any of my jobs like that. It pays to be focused yes, but inflexible to change? Unable to pivot? No, that's never worked for me. People do it though, mostly I guess out of ignorance or laziness I suppose. Putting in effort to learn and understand what might possibly come next can seem difficult; do it though, and one will probably find much greater success, or so I've found.

I had a great day today. I put myself in a position to have the opportunity to make a massive gain and I'm going to put it down to not being a robot...and thirty two years of training, research, study and experience.

I'm not sure if I'd like the ability to always predict what might come next as it would remove a lot of life's surprises which, whilst sometimes bad, can be most welcome also. There's times I wish I could though. How about you? Would you like the super-power of being able to predict the future? If so why and if not why not?