Don’t be a -1
A few years ago I heard Chris Hadfield talk about how astronauts viewed each other as being a -1, 0 or +1, meaning someone who detracts, someone who is neutral or someone who adds to a mission. While we don’t all frequent the ISS this has stuck with me and it’s something I often reflect on.
It’s interesting because how others view us is to a large extent out of our control. It’s like what Thatcher said about being powerful; if you have to tell people you are, you aren’t. That is, you can’t just say you’re a +1.
But we can look at those around us who are solid 0s and +1s and spot the common attributes. Or we can invert the situation and ask what -1s do and avoid those things. As Munger used to say, invert, always invert!
So what are some traits of -1s?
They wait to be told what to do.
They don’t ask questions.
They avoid responsibility.
They watch others struggle.
They’re unreliable.
If you viewed this incomplete list as an anti-checklist you’d be heading towards becoming a +1.
You show initiative.
You ask questions.
You take responsibility.
You help others succeed.
You’re reliable.
Don’t be a -1.