Lessons from Bluebook Gobbledygook
My Sociology prof gave bluebook essay exams. I was convinced he didn’t read them. To test my theory, I filled two bluebooks with gobbledygook. Most of it wasn’t even real words.
I got an A.
What I Learned from Bluebook Gobbledygook
#1. Rebellion
I felt disrespected by my instructor. Resentment turned to rebellion.
Instead of being evaluated, I evaluated him. I didn’t confront him. I offered gobbledygook. (Yes, it was immature.)
Lesson: Respect the work if you want people to bring their best.
Whose work will you respect today? (This includes high standards.)
#2. Proof
Resentment looks for proof. I sought to confirm he didn’t care. I wanted him to see me. My experiment proved he didn’t.
Lesson: People’s beliefs about you determine how they treat you.
How will you prove people matter today?
#3. Cynicism
When you conclude someone is unworthy, distrust follows.
Lesson: People assume the worst when trust is lost.
I decided he…
- Didn’t care.
- Was lazy.
- Was a fake.
How will you prove yourself worthy of your position?
I should have spoken with my instructor. But rebellion was easier.
How will you be accountable to the people you lead?
An Elegant Accountability Practice for Today
Great Leaders Make People Feel Noticed HBR
Dan – any idea where he wound up?
He eventually retired.
I believe in accountability. If I have my students do something that is extensive, I provide feedback either verbally or written. This lets them know that I value the work they put into the assignment not just to receive a grade but for quality input.
One time I had something similar in college. A friend of mine and I suspected the professor wasn’t reading our weekly journal entries while student teaching. To test the theory we both wrote an entry where we said rather profane and immature things about the other one. In our young 20’s mind they were hilarious.
Anyway, turned out our suspicion was correct. We both received full credit for these journal entries that were absolutely absurdly profane.
That’s even more dangerous. At least mine wasn’t legible.