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Trans-facts
Rhetorical conundrum of the day: suppose a high-ranking vice minister of yatta yatta has used his powers of selective detail amalgamation to write a multi-font Plan o’ Action whose spirit supports work already in progress by his competent and self-motivated minions. The plan is not quite as patronizing as the one last week, but contains a much higher concentration of trans-facts — information that is incorrect, and damaging if acted upon.
Would you (a) completely ignore any additional suggestions and do what you were going to do anyway or (b) attempt to educate him?
Additional data: There is no guarantee he will ever understand. But At Least You’ve Tried, you’ll say to yourself. Those three hours of unnecessary debate over technical nuances and subtleties are hours you’ll never, ever get back.
Bonus question: Since attending a “Lean manufacturing” seminar (that you did not), he has been finding some way to wedge the name “LEAN” (always typed in caps) into every conversation. Does he think we’ll be able SYNERGIZE enough to CROSS THE CHASM into the CIRCLE OF CONCERN and use our INVENTORY?
[...] El Jefe, who is seeking to display his alpha Vice President of Yatta Yatta status, is not. He is still stuck with trans-facts. [...]
[...] Tends to overestimate his own level of skill - Suppose El Jefe is tasked to create a vehicle to be sold to families with small children. He doesn’t have kids, but because he is confident that he knows best, he undertakes production of a two-seat convertible with Corinthian leather seats, sport suspension, and a talking GPS. If he had bothered to consult an expert — or ask the customers — he would have realized they want a minivan with stout cup holders, stain-resistant fabric, and a separate entertainment system the kids.Overconfidence in his skills wouldn’t be as terrible, except that he… [...]
[...] you think my team is going to work over Christmas, you can go fuck yourself.” But with his selective listening skills, he heard “My team is going to work over [...]