Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Sometimes, some things are important to me. It is usually a mistake to extend that importance to another person.

The idea hit me. This is IMPORTANT! I will dig into this topic. I will expand it in many ways.

Me: Hey, look at the results of my analysis. I have looked at all the details in all these dimensions. Look what I discovered.

Other Person: With a blank expression looking at the numbers on the screen. Silence.

Me: These findings are important. See how they affect the outcomes?

Other Person: More silence.

Me: Given this, you should understand how important my work is to you.

Other Person: Even more silence. Finally, “Can you start at the beginning and tell me why I want to know any of this.”

Me: Because it is IMPORTANT.

Other Person: Can you start at the beginning and tell me why I want to know any of this.

Me: Silence.

The meeting ends in mutual silence.

Sometimes it simply wasn’t important to the other person. I should ask. I should do better.