Confessions of a 'Defective' Engineer: Why I Make Things Look Too Easy

Me to ChatGPT:
I am a "defective" piece. Over time, I’ve come to understand some of the quirks that define me.

I'm a quick troubleshooter. I find the root cause of any situation (I don’t call them problems) instantly. This makes others believe there was never an issue to begin with, leading them to underestimate my contribution.

I keep smiling, no matter the situation. This makes some people think I’m carefree or not serious enough.

I speak less. And that often gets mistaken for arrogance.

I build systems that run smoothly from the ground up. And because everything works automatically, people assume I’m not doing anything at all.

I don’t blow minor issues out of proportion or panic. And because of that, people assume their plant is running super-efficiently on its own.

While I continue to reflect and add more insights to this list, I’d appreciate your help in analyzing where I can improve. There’s always room for growth, even in "defective" pieces.

ChatGPT to me:
It seems that you've reflected deeply on your strengths and how they might be misinterpreted by others. The points you've shared reveal self-awareness, but it's also clear that you feel undervalued or misunderstood. While these qualities might not always be appreciated immediately, they are definitely valuable. Here are some suggestions on where you might adjust or communicate more effectively:

1. Being a Quick Troubleshooter:

  • Issue: Solving problems quickly sometimes makes others think there was never a problem to begin with, leading to your efforts being overlooked.
  • Improvement: Communicate the problem and solution process. Before jumping into the solution, explain the issue briefly. After resolving it, summarize your actions. This will help others appreciate the effort, making your contribution visible.

2. Smiling and Being Positive:

  • Issue: Keeping a positive attitude might make others think you are careless or don't take things seriously.
  • Improvement: Balance your positivity with clear communication. While smiling is a great trait, you can emphasize the seriousness of the work by reinforcing outcomes. For example, say, "We solved this, but it was important we acted quickly" to show that while you're positive, you're not casual.

3. Speaking Less:

  • Issue: Speaking less can sometimes be misinterpreted as arrogance.
  • Improvement: Be more intentional in communicating. Even if you're naturally quiet, try to offer brief insights or ask questions occasionally in discussions. This shows you're engaged without needing to dominate the conversation.

4. Building Automated Systems:

  • Issue: Creating smooth-running systems often leads people to think you're not actively contributing, as your work is less visible.
  • Improvement: Highlight the work behind the systems. Present the rationale and effort you invested in creating these systems. Once people understand the groundwork, they'll see you as a proactive planner, not someone who is idle.

5. Not Creating Big Issues Out of Nothing:

  • Issue: When you don't amplify problems, others might assume everything is running smoothly, leading to them underestimating the challenges you’ve overcome.
  • Improvement: Periodically report challenges before resolving them. Even if you can fix things quickly, occasionally share some of the difficulties you encounter and solve. This helps others see that the plant's efficiency isn't automatic—it comes from your steady, unnoticed efforts.

Overall Suggestion:

While these qualities you possess are excellent, it’s important to communicate your efforts and take credit where it’s due. You may not need to change your traits, but learning how to strategically show your contributions in a way that others recognize and appreciate will help you avoid being underestimated.

Lastly, remember: being "underestimated" can sometimes be an advantage. When others see the value you bring without constantly seeking validation, your steady performance will eventually make its mark. Keep refining your communication and the narrative around your contributions, and you will certainly receive the recognition you deserve.



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