Business Rule 3: In PRM, the First Test Always Outweighs the Final

People Relationship Mathematics

In the world of textbooks, I worked on problems in Discrete Mathematics for kids. Discrete math includes finite algorithms that do not go on beyond a particular problem or scenario. I have decided that in order to keep the world in balance, I’m adding to that a distinct pattern I’ve noticed about business, PRM — People Relationship Mathematics. PRM is about what folks mean when they say, “do the math.”

In general career management, PRM is more diverse and applicable than traditional mathematics. Every thing we do relates to the people and how we relate to each other. If we do the math on that idea from the very first moment, business life can be much more of a pleasure. Take it from me — I remember well the days I didn’t know that.

Let’s start from the beginning. Beginning — that’s a great word. There are more beginnings than we might suspect. Here are a few:

first day at a new company
first day in a new role
first day with a new boss
first day with a new client or new customer

Any one of those and youÃ¢â¬â¢re the new guy all over again. Whether you go to work at a home office or one down the road, Personal Relationship Mathematics says you have to show up.

Showing up is like long division, a whole lot trickier than it looks. Showing up requires paying attention to everyone and everything thatÃ¢â¬â¢s going on. It also means doing the best work that youÃ¢â¬â¢ve ever doneÃ¢â¬âbeginning, middle, and end.

Day one Ã¢â¬â- thatÃ¢â¬â¢s 100 days in PRM –is when you build a concrete foundation. What people think, decide really, about you now will determine whether they will forgive you then. The relationships you forge on the proverbial day one are your safety net.

Do the PMR to pass the first test. The first test always outweighs the final.
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Why The First Test Outweighs the Final

Dr. Delaney Kirk calls this impression management, which is a great Personal Relationship Mathematics term. I learned the concept in college.

A good freshman, I went to class, participated, got to know people — showed an interest. I studied hardest for the first test to prove that I was serious. I aced that test and the two after it. That spring, I had a blaster of a migraine on the day of the final. I couldn’t get my eyes to focus. I couldn’t think. I walked a little funny. My medication then was a narcotic.

The professor let me take the test in his office. I wonder whether he even read my answers. I imagine they were incredibly creative, and worth flunking with flaming colors. Yet, he gave me an A in the class.

It was Personal Relationship Mathematics that he used to calculate that final grade.

If you pay attention to people and ace the first test, people are generous when you have a problem on the final.

Personal Relationship Mathematics is like a virtual bank account, an investment in yourself. You make it by paying sincere attention to the needs of other people. Mathematicians might say it’s an inverse relationship formula.

How do you “do the math” in the personal relationships in your business?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
If you think Liz can help with your PRM, check out the Perfect Virtual Manager on the Work with Liz!! page in the sidebar.