People Worry About the Darndest Things
I've just checked my FSOA Yahoo Group daily digest. It hit me how people (including me) waste time and energy worrying about the silliest things when it comes to the Oral Assessment. Two current examples would be:
(a) whether the men should or should not wear wing-tipped shoes for the Oral Assessment; and
(b) whether you have a better chance of passing if you schedule your assessment earlier in the testing cycle.
The logical, rational answer to both questions is a resounding no. But that answer doesn't address the main reason such questions are posed to begin with.
It's easiest to distract oneself with silliness than to get down to the business of practicing, isn't it? The group exercises, the structured interview questions (which include hypotheticals and behavioral questions), and the case management exercise can all seem quite daunting -- not unless you're one of those blessed souls who already has a job requiring constant presentations, memo writing and personnel management. I think all of us who have come this far, or at least most of us, are perfectly capable of performing the requisite skills under normal circumstances. The thing is, the OA isn't a normal circumstance. An entire career is riding on it. The very thought is enough to freeze most people. Far easier to worry about wing-tips!
A friend of mine looked over the OA Summary I sent him. Told me, "Hm, you and I both have the skills and experience to pass this thing. The difference is personality. You're terrified and I'd think of it as an interesting, fun way to pass the day."
He's right. That is the difference. There's also the fact that he's got a job he loves and so taking the OA would, for him, simply be a day of entertainment. I was tempted to ask him if he'd feel that way if he didn't have a job he loved, or indeed a job at all (as I don't). I'm not sure if he answered me. But as I look back on it, I realize it doesn't matter. The wisdom of his statement still holds true. Yes, having a job in your back pocket would make it easier to remain detached. But not having one -- and really not only wanting, but needing this one -- is all the more reason to achieve a level of detachment.
I'm determined to go in there and simply look at it as an interesting and enjoyable way to spend the day. It's certainly a unique experience, one that I never expected to have. No matter what happens, I want to be able to look back and say I enjoyed myself. I want to savor every moment. And I will.
(a) whether the men should or should not wear wing-tipped shoes for the Oral Assessment; and
(b) whether you have a better chance of passing if you schedule your assessment earlier in the testing cycle.
The logical, rational answer to both questions is a resounding no. But that answer doesn't address the main reason such questions are posed to begin with.
It's easiest to distract oneself with silliness than to get down to the business of practicing, isn't it? The group exercises, the structured interview questions (which include hypotheticals and behavioral questions), and the case management exercise can all seem quite daunting -- not unless you're one of those blessed souls who already has a job requiring constant presentations, memo writing and personnel management. I think all of us who have come this far, or at least most of us, are perfectly capable of performing the requisite skills under normal circumstances. The thing is, the OA isn't a normal circumstance. An entire career is riding on it. The very thought is enough to freeze most people. Far easier to worry about wing-tips!
A friend of mine looked over the OA Summary I sent him. Told me, "Hm, you and I both have the skills and experience to pass this thing. The difference is personality. You're terrified and I'd think of it as an interesting, fun way to pass the day."
He's right. That is the difference. There's also the fact that he's got a job he loves and so taking the OA would, for him, simply be a day of entertainment. I was tempted to ask him if he'd feel that way if he didn't have a job he loved, or indeed a job at all (as I don't). I'm not sure if he answered me. But as I look back on it, I realize it doesn't matter. The wisdom of his statement still holds true. Yes, having a job in your back pocket would make it easier to remain detached. But not having one -- and really not only wanting, but needing this one -- is all the more reason to achieve a level of detachment.
I'm determined to go in there and simply look at it as an interesting and enjoyable way to spend the day. It's certainly a unique experience, one that I never expected to have. No matter what happens, I want to be able to look back and say I enjoyed myself. I want to savor every moment. And I will.
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