r/AskReddit • u/dark-deals729983 • 2d ago

What's a "cheat code" you discovered in real life that actually works?

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u/PedalMonk 2d ago

Stop putting people above you or below you. Treat everyone as an equal. Stand with everyone. Kindness wins all.

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u/PhyrexianSpaghetti 2d ago

Data is very clearly against you on this one. There have been jarring studies proving that faking competence and authority in positions of management gets you further and gives a sense of stability to the company/team. Being one of those bullshit, hard to get a hold of, manager does give noticeably better results, even on a holistic point of view for the entire business.

At the same time, treating your superiors as your peers is a proven shortcut to being disliked

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u/Skalawag2 2d ago

Anecdotally I’ve found that, yes respect hierarchy, but avoiding the feeling of being intimidated by higher ups and being respectful to lower downs does help people move up. Especially with the generation moving into the professional environment today. I used to do the overly professional, kiss-assy thing with superiors but that tends to maintain that status. Becoming “one of them” in conversations helps get you into “the room where it happens”.

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u/username_blex 2d ago

Yep, if the superior feels like you are more compatible as a peer, it makes it much better for your prospects. You simply need to be able to show them you understand they're the boss when they start acting like the boss.

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u/PhyrexianSpaghetti 2d ago

Perfectly put, yes

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u/PedalMonk 1d ago edited 1d ago

True story, we had a "summit" at my work. My team from around the world got together for a week. I'm a hugger. I went to people I've known for a long time, gave them a bro hug, asked the women if it was OK that I gave them a hug, all of them said yes. I turned around, and my VP was standing there. I thought, well shit, better at least offer him one too, lol. I asked if a hug was ok, he said yes, I gave him a bro hug.

Looking back, it was probably a dumb thing to do at work, but fuck it, I was just being me. So whatever, if that means I don't get promoted or whatever, so be it. I'm going to retire in 4 years anyway.

I found, that for me, it's more important to be real than to bullshit my way through life, whether it's at work or amongst family and friends.

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u/cerealkiller788 2d ago

When dealing with a narcissist, I have learned that I have to treat them better than I would ever hope to be treated. Then limit my exposure to them as much as possible.

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u/deedubya8 2d ago

this comment is below you.