It’s funny, today in my standup meeting, as an icebreaker we were all asked whether we would prefer credit to be given to us in a private chat, or publicly in a big meeting. I was going to make a joke about it being a silly question because it provides no signal: even if you do want the fanfare, you’re not going to admit to it. Then a few people did speak up they’d appreciate it being public. And it was in such a way where it didn’t sound pretentious or anything.
Anyway, I’m glad you bring this up. I never thought much about it, but after reading your post it’s sounding like a topic that is pretty important. People respond to incentives after all, so if we figure out how to attribute more good, we can probably extract a lot more good.
That’s an interesting coincidence. Yes, the desire to receive credit seems almost immoral in some circumstances. I wonder if it has to do with the Christian roots that cousin_it is pointing to below.
Other cultures have different attitudes. I recall reading about Viking rituals called Bragas. After a battle, the clan would gather around a table, feast, drink and each warrior would brag mightily about their heroic deeds. If they couldn’t brag well (claim credit), they would be laughed at.
And thank you for your thoughts—after writing this, I came across your post on how “The best frequently don’t rise to the top.” It struck me as quite related to this. I’d say that in your own words, you were writing about the delta between merit and credit. Or that’s how I read it.
I wonder if it has to do with the Christian roots that cousin_it is pointing to below. Other cultures have different attitudes. I recall reading about Viking rituals called Bragas. After a battle, the clan would gather around a table, feast, drink and each warrior would brag mightily about their heroic deeds. If they couldn’t brag well (claim credit), they would be laughed at.
Interesting.
And thank you for your thoughts—after writing this, I came across your post on how “The best frequently don’t rise to the top.” It struck me as quite related to this. I’d say that in your own words, you were writing about the delta between merit and credit. Or that’s how I read it.
It’s funny, today in my standup meeting, as an icebreaker we were all asked whether we would prefer credit to be given to us in a private chat, or publicly in a big meeting. I was going to make a joke about it being a silly question because it provides no signal: even if you do want the fanfare, you’re not going to admit to it. Then a few people did speak up they’d appreciate it being public. And it was in such a way where it didn’t sound pretentious or anything.
Anyway, I’m glad you bring this up. I never thought much about it, but after reading your post it’s sounding like a topic that is pretty important. People respond to incentives after all, so if we figure out how to attribute more good, we can probably extract a lot more good.
That’s an interesting coincidence. Yes, the desire to receive credit seems almost immoral in some circumstances. I wonder if it has to do with the Christian roots that cousin_it is pointing to below. Other cultures have different attitudes. I recall reading about Viking rituals called Bragas. After a battle, the clan would gather around a table, feast, drink and each warrior would brag mightily about their heroic deeds. If they couldn’t brag well (claim credit), they would be laughed at.
And thank you for your thoughts—after writing this, I came across your post on how “The best frequently don’t rise to the top.” It struck me as quite related to this. I’d say that in your own words, you were writing about the delta between merit and credit. Or that’s how I read it.
Interesting.
Yup that’s a gret way to put it.