Being Unpredictable

Being there, and consistency is fundamental to your growth. When people count on you, it is a good feeling. And yet, a little unpredictability is always a good thing. Unpredictability allows you to be you.

If you are too predictable, people start to feel that they know you. When they start to become complacent in knowing you, some may think they own you. Others begin to believe that they know your strengths and limitations. They feel they know what buttons to push, and what the results will be every time.

It’s nice to feel counted upon. It’s a little bit harder when others think they push one of your buttons and you will perform on cue. This is why I believe a little unpredictability is a good thing.

Many people think of unpredictability as the inability to be counted upon. Will or won’t the person show up? Will the report get done on time? Can the group rely on this person? This is one view of unpredictability. Unfortunately, it is two-dimensional in his thinking. There are more avenues to this, and much better ideas involved.

The next time that you have a task given to you by someone who thinks they know you, ignite your mental prowess and blow past their expectations. Just dazzle them with work far above their highest aspirations. And leave them wondering, “Wow, where did that come from?”

You won’t only impress others, you will impress yourself. I always find something special when I impress myself.

Thank you for being with me today, I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof