I think the Matrix has me
A fairly innocuous tweet this morning had me thinking a little deeper and longer than I originally intended:
What I meant when I tweeted was that I felt I was missing out on something, but not sure what, as per ‘the Matrix has you’ line. What I ended up thinking about was the ‘glictch’ in the Matrix – the glitch in the film is an event that draws the individual to the realisation they are in a simulation. The glitch is passed off as a feeling of deja-vu, when you think you’ve seen or heard something or someone before, but you know you haven’t.
For me, the glitch today was just about repeating the same conversation I know I’ve had before, months or even years ago. When working online and starting new projects (large or small), there are some features of the kick-off meeting(s) that need to happen and be covered (timeframe, narrative, resourcing/resources, tools, etc). Saying the same thing time and time again can often feel repetitive or annoying, but it is also key to working well with colleagues (not all of them will have heard this before, some may have forgotten, some may even not think it important).
What is important is that repeating myself, in saying what needs to be said again and again, will eventually get the message across; it will eventually be more deeply understood and will ensure the project team(s) are considering the points carefully and appropriately. Being a stuck record for the sake of making a point is not helpful or welcome, but repeating yourself and offering a solution, and showing interest and care has benefits that everyone can reap. Being interested and caring, to the point of annoying others so they too care can and should be welcome.
It does of course all rest on how the glitch, the message is made. Make a fool or annoyance of yourself and the message is lost in the “oh, he’s on a rant again” background noise.
Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash
