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68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

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Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#11

Post by icelancer »

saagarjha wrote: post #10
helsinkiandrew wrote: post #7

> Learn how to take a 20-minute power nap without embarrassment I've found the lockdown great for trying this - a run, lunch then 15 minutes on the sofa. It's like rebooting the day.

If only doing the same at work was this easy…

> If only doing the same at work was this easy…

Never understood employers who had a problem with this. I have people scheduling a small conference room we have to take 30 minute naps, or going to their car, or sleeping under their desk. Why should anyone care about that as long as they are generally productive and get the work done?

(probably should note I don't overwork my employees, make them keep 80 hour schedules or anything - a couple of them get up at like 4:30 AM to go to the gym / shoot hoops before coming in, and want to take a nap around lunch before the 2nd part of their day)

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#12

Post by splatzone »

This page really is a goldmine. In the spirit of not being afraid to ask stupid questions, I don't understand a couple of them - anyone care to explain?

> When you die you take absolutely nothing with you except your reputation.

Is this saying that your reputation dies with you? I don't get this, surely people will remember how you acted when you were alive. I'm probably taking it too literally.

> Don’t ever respond to a solicitation or a proposal on the phone. The urgency is a disguise.

A disguise for what? I'm not sure I get what they mean by this. I'm guessing the author is advising that you don't let yourself be rushed into agreeing to something over the phone, think about it and take your time, don't be pressured

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#13

Post by jonasvp »

> Don’t say anything about someone in email you would not be comfortable saying to them directly, because eventually they will read it.

Absolutely - I've learned this the hard way and it's giving me new appreciation for phone calls.

It's amazing how many people do _not_ remember that an email chain of several hundred pages _will_ contain something incriminating or embassaring if forwarded to someone outside the original circle of recipients.

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#14

Post by saagarjha »

icelancer wrote: post #11
saagarjha wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If only doing the same at work was this easy…

> If only doing the same at work was this easy… Never understood employers who had a problem with this. I have people scheduling a small conference room we have to take 30 minute naps, or going to their car, or sleeping under their desk. Why should anyone care about that as long as they are generally productive and get the work done? (probably should note I don't overwork my employees, make them keep 80 hour schedule…

Well, there’s one part where it’s kind of awkward to ask to take a nap or have a coworker find you sleeping (“should I wake them up or wait to get my PR reviewed?“) but another part of it is that it’s not really comfortable to sleep at work unless there are ample soft couches or something. At home I can just jump into bed…

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#15

Post by Err_Eek »

_Microft wrote: post #9
Err_Eek wrote: post #2

This reminds me a lot of that "wear sunscreen" chain mail https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wear_Sunscreen These folksy wisdom thingies, especially from accomplished people, come off as patronizing to me.

Advice #1: "• Learn how to learn from those you disagree with, or even offend you. See if you can find the truth in what they believe."

I will make sure never to get myself in a land war in Asia

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#16

Post by delaaxe »

splatzone wrote: post #12

This page really is a goldmine. In the spirit of not being afraid to ask stupid questions, I don't understand a couple of them - anyone care to explain? > When you die you take absolutely nothing with you except your reputation. Is this saying that your reputation dies with you? I don't get this, surely people will remember how you acted when you were alive. I'm probably taking it too literally. > Don’t ever respond…

> When you die you take absolutely nothing with you except your reputation.

What I understood is that when you die, the only thing about you that will stay is your reputation. I agree it could have been worded better

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#17

Post by delaaxe »

ggm wrote: post #3

There is a lot to be said for "never get involved in a land war in Asia"

Like what? This is one of the few bits that I honestly didn't understand because it felt so specific and without further explanation. Can you elaborate?

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#18

Post by jerrre »

splatzone wrote: post #12

This page really is a goldmine. In the spirit of not being afraid to ask stupid questions, I don't understand a couple of them - anyone care to explain? > When you die you take absolutely nothing with you except your reputation. Is this saying that your reputation dies with you? I don't get this, surely people will remember how you acted when you were alive. I'm probably taking it too literally. > Don’t ever respond…

>> When you die you take absolutely nothing with you except your reputation.

>Is this saying that your reputation dies with you? I don't get this, surely people will remember how you acted when you were alive. I'm probably taking it too literally.

I interpret this the other way around: nothing you gain in life matters/retains value/sticks (to you?) after you die except your reputation

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#19

Post by AlwaysForward »

Err_Eek wrote: post #15
_Microft wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Advice #1: "• Learn how to learn from those you disagree with, or even offend you. See if you can find the truth in what they believe."

I will make sure never to get myself in a land war in Asia

Why? Are you American? The European powers have won many land wars in Asia over the centuries.

Re: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

#20

Post by as1mov »

saagarjha wrote: post #14
icelancer wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> If only doing the same at work was this easy… Never understood employers who had a problem with this. I have people scheduling a small conference room we have to take 30 minute naps, or going to their car, or sleeping under their desk. Why should anyone care about that as long as they are generally productive and get the work done? (probably should note I don't overwork my employees, make them keep 80 hour schedule…

Well, there’s one part where it’s kind of awkward to ask to take a nap or have a coworker find you sleeping (“should I wake them up or wait to get my PR reviewed?“) but another part of it is that it’s not really comfortable to sleep at work unless there are ample soft couches or something. At home I can just jump into bed…

Eh I think you can leave someone undisturbed for 15-20 minutes unless it's something truly important. 99% of PRs can wait that long, unless you are working on a production issue (where the likelihood of someone sleeping in the middle of is pretty small anyway).

> it’s not really comfortable to sleep at work

I actually find it easier to take short naps on desk, just cross my arms and use them as a pillow to bury my head into. The position just comfortable enough that you will sleep easily for 15 minutes and then wake up.

On the other hand, getting into a bed I could see myself sleeping from anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours :/

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