To Calibrate A Response

Ideal responses and real responses differ, and I think most are quite aware of that. Today, I was pondering the way my colleagues often defer to their superiors. Basically, they cut out certain responses in a bid to somehow not offend their superiors. While I can see how this can be a useful survival technique, I do view such deference as a form of cowardice and not quite an optimal way to deal with superiors.

Now, my view is to treat everyone as equals. That is regardless whether they are the world's most powerful president or the lowliest beggar. Of course, since some beggars can be quite irritating, that does not always hold true. However, I do not permit myself to be intimidated by someone's social status on its own merit. Ultimate, I would treat them as I would any other person, unless I receive a very clear signal to the contrary.

My view is that such an approach is more optimal, because one never knows just how receptive a superior may be to casual but respectful conversation and suggestions. It seems quite pointless to gimp one's own opinions by having the default view of one's view not mattering. If anything, the superior may well be swayed to one's view through other means. In fact, that can circumvent the superiors' right to overrride a view that they feel is contrary to their goals. In brief, I believe a subordinate should never sell themselve short.