Sunday, October 29, 2023
A huge number of posts on social media—especially Linkedin—start with “most people” or “too many people” or “the majority of people” or just “people”—meaning everyone on earth.
The posts then go on to demonstrate that, astoundingly, only the writer has discovered the correct traits, procedures, behaviors, and skills for leadership, sales, emotional health, culture change, and/or the cooking of kale. This is usually accomplished with a variety of charts and complex diagrams what, well, aren’t exactly useful “in the moment.” I doubt these writers are at the top of their profession, their game, or their zip code.
It’s an arrogant position
because it assumes that “most people” are somehow “damaged” and inferior to the brilliance of the writer. It’s akin to “there are two kinds of people in the world,” and the writer is always in the better half. But this is far worse. Here the writer is in some enlightened selective state which “most people” don’t populate and, perhaps, don’t even understand.
Here’s something I understand: I believe that “most people” are not damaged, want to continue to improve their lives, and are willing to listen to cogent, simple examples supported by social proof. They don’t need a lecture from some self-appointed guru who believes the world is improved through lists, charts, and admonitions posted on social media.