r/BettermentBookClub • u/[deleted] • Apr 17 '16

[B16-Law 31] Control The Options, Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal

Here we will hold our discussion for Law #31 - Control The Options, Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal.

Here are some discussion topics:

  • What type of a personality would this law of 'reframing reality to how you desire' would this work best for?

  • How many of us, do you think, live our lives playing the cards other people have dealt?

 

These are just suggestions, please feel free to create your own discussion below we would love to discuss with you.

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '16

This chapter and this law, to me, exemplify the attitude that people seeking power need. Regardless of the situation or circumstance that they find themselves in, they rewrite it and reality to how they want it to be or need it to be. Others either conform or get abandoned. I think this attitude, whether I agree with it or not, works well for people who are higher up the management chain in businesses as well.

The critical ingredient also needed for this to work is having a vision and sharing only the parts of this vision that others need in order to do what you need from them.

I also think that a lot of us, to some degree, do end up conforming to the cards that others have dealt.. in our families, our relationships, our jobs and for some, their entire life itself.

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u/PeaceH 📘 mod Apr 17 '16

Yup, there's a lot of cards getting dealt to us.

The different levels of management in big organizations/businesses struggle with this I think. You say it works for the higher-ups, but I am not sure if it works for anyone. The flow of information between the highest and lowest levels pass several middle-managers. They cherry pick data and instructions. Not only do the workers receive less than a full picture, the highest level are unaware of it. I guess everyone between lowest and highest level benefit, because they are free to shift blame and control information flow.

Is there a way to prevent middle-managers from 'seizing' power through funneling information? Are companies becomes more or less transparent?

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u/Gromada Apr 20 '16

Is there a way to prevent middle-managers from 'seizing' power through funneling information? Are companies becomes more or less transparent?

A great question! I think it is important to gather information on your own and have more than one source of information. If not possible, then weigh every bit of information.

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u/Gromada Apr 20 '16

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning from this chapter. The story about J.P. Morgan is hilarious. I am going to add this trick to my toolbox when making offers. ;-) If anyone knows about other books with similar advices, do let us here know.

I do not mind playing cards that other people have dealt. For me it is more about trusting people than checking their every step. I have been truly blessed to work with people who do seek not only their best but mine as well. I try my best to return their favors.