This is going to be a biggie! Take your time, read it in two steps, whatever…
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There are two kinds of people in the world (maybe more, but two suffice for this post) – those who would spring to action at the slightest provocation, are extremely domain sensitive, and others who are more laid back, and would read into the current situation before acting.
The problem is, the first kind donÂ’t always like method of functioning of the second kind, and vice versa. The first often call the second fattu, so to say. The second call the first extremist, and are amused at the reaction they develop at the very slightest incitation.
I would consider myself to belong to the second group. But it was not always so.
The sad part of being in the first group is that often one thing leads to another, and there being no end to this leading process, the argument never really ends, especially if you have another of the first kind at the other end. Too many resources are wasted by either party to make the other see their point. ItÂ’s just too much of a conservative attitude, and often achieves nothing, since the concerned people still end up doing what they want.
The other, more important aspect of the whole she-bang is that with the first group, you never really know the true level of the competitor, if you want to call them that. If you respond immediately to their instigation, you never get to see the plane to which they will stoop to get you angry and moving. It almost feels sad, such is human nature, because you can never get to the what if scenario unless you become one of the second group.
But, if not done right, this approach can cause major trouble: loss of domain. Something belongs to you. Maybe you earned it rightfully; maybe someone gave it to you. People expect you to protect it, be possessive about it. It is supposed to be your thing. So if someday someone treads along, and decides to take it away from you, what do you do?
If you are from the first group, you get your bombard cannons ready, and start shooting away. If your opponent is just checking, heÂ’ll run away. If he darn wants to have your stuff, heÂ’ll fight. Then starts the one thing leads to another process of mutual destruction, causing a lot of pain, heart burn, and in general waste. And best of all, in the end you just might lose it, anyway. But yes, you fought! So if you manage to scare the other chap off, you are declared hero in your domain.
If you are from the second group, you will take out your binoculars, and observe the intruder. Try to figure out his plans. You would not confront the person directly, but sort of prepare a game plan, things that can cause obstructions to that chaps expansion in your domain. Often, these things are so subtle that you and your opponent never get the signs. Anyhow. Your opponent decides to bring in his battering ram. You still are observing him. Because the technology of that battering ram fascinates you. And you are lured by the new siege weaponry the outsider is bringing towards you. You want to really know the reach of this fellow. ItÂ’s a perfect human nature thing – curiosity.
But, while your domain is being breached, the stuff inside the domain does not have a play day. ItÂ’s horrible for them. They suffer. And while you are doing stuff to stop the intrusion, itÂ’s all so tacit that your domain never gets it. They feel you are a useless oaf, who does not care about his domain. This is a severe problem. You could end up loosing the faith of your domain. Suddenly, you will yourself realize this, and since it is too late anyway, youÂ’ll give away your domain to the intruder, just like that. You simply will care no more.
But, in retrospection, you really wanted that domain to be yours. You will feel sad. Sorry even. Because in reality, you are much better provider for that domain. But there will be nothing to be done.
The issue here is to find a balance between the two. How do we determine if the intruder is just looking, or wants to stage a coup? It is often compounded by the fact that most people come looking, and feel that, “Hey, this is so easy to take over. And the domain is so insanely beautiful. Let’s take it over!” Trouble!
Of course, sometimes these just looking people are so dumb, that they are never really going to be able to throw you out of your domain. They are those kinds of people who fire the trebuchet with such a bad aim, that the burning wood and stone will land miles away from your stronghold. There is no point really, fighting them. In fact, you can come out of your castle; invite them over and have a nice tea party with cup cakes and muffins. You should not fear at all.
The others however, you should look out for. Because they are often just not seen before the damage is already done. They’ll bore holes that open up inside your fort. They’ll destroy you from within, without you even knowing it. Some very crafty ones will even make your domain throw you over. So, suddenly one fine day you get to your throne and what do you see – there’s someone else sitting on it, and he has a crown, that’s bigger and heavier than yours! “Whoa! What happened here?”
The trick therefore, is to be able to figure out when to be of the first group, and when the second. Where do you draw the line? Experience is the best teacher, and then some. Even so, your domain must realize this, that you have the experience (provided you really have it, of course), and must trust you. Sadly, in real life, thatÂ’s not very true and you more than not, end up having an internal fight while confronting an external issue.
Makes you want to pull out your hair, all the time. Such is life.
Maybe the next time round, if I am in the mood, will drop in a few examples.
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Am off to Gandhinagar (DA-IICT) tonight for the Two Day Intensive Workshop on Embedded Systems. Back on monday. See ya!