Positioning yourself to negotiate with the system

Let’s talk about the system.

The system is the larger social, economic, or organizational structure in which we operate. It encompasses all the uncontrollable norms and mechanisms that influence how we are perceived, valued, and rewarded within a certain context.

Now, people often use this phrase in reference to some nameless, monolithic entity that’s keeping us down. Simply by saying those two powerful words, the system, we evoke strong emotions like fear, anger, resentment and powerlessness.

Listen to any political speech or advocacy interview. It’s a tried and true rhetorical device to unite followers and supporters against a common perceived threat, fostering a greater sense of belonging and purpose.

My first exposure to this concept of the system was freshman year at our annual talent show. I didn’t have the guts to audition myself, so I admired the students who got up on stage to perform.

The first act was a rap group. Three guys got up there and performed an original song. And to this day, I can still hear their memorable four word chorus ringing in my head.

The system never changes. The system never changes. The system never changes. The system never changes.

By the end of the song, the whole auditorium put their hands in the air and waved them like we just didn’t care. It was the most nineties shit ever.

But I have to say, it felt pretty damned empowering to say those four words. I remember thinking to myself, well shit, I don’t know what system these rap guys are talking about, but apparently it never changes, and I guess I’m angry about that.

My friends and I would go on to quote those lyrics to each other for the next four years. We felt so rebellious and cool. Like we had classified information about a secretive and powerful system working behind the scenes, and it was the simple explanation for events that were hard to understand. It’s funny how two words can have such power.

All you have to do is refer to, “the system,” and people who feel discontent or dissatisfied with virtually any circumstance will be receptive to narratives that offer a clear target for their grievances.

Couldn’t get a passing grade on your geometry test? It’s the system, man.

Didn’t secure a spot on the first string football team? Blame the system.

Girls your age only hanging out with upper classmen who have drivers licenses? The system never changes, dawg.

It’s the catchall explanation for all perceived injustices.

But while conspiracy theorists often use this concept to try to explain complex events or phenomena, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. All of us are nested in the system in some way. And if we’re not at least somewhat aware of and protective against its machinations, then we lower our odds for achieving fulfillment.

Chappelle is a comedian who knows more than most about the system. His amazing career as standup comic, sketch artist and cultural commentator is a case study on the relationship individuals have with the system. Dave famously turned down fifty million dollars to write a third season of the most successful sketch show of all time.

But instead of sacrificing his integrity for a sweet pay day, he went into creative hibernation. Nobody heard from him for years. Twelve years later, he resurfaced with bigger muscles, angrier words and funnier jokes.

Chappelle had some things to say about the system.

Suddenly, his routines felt more like lectures from a veteran history professor. Emphasizing the importance of not only knowing your own perceived value, but also being aware of how the system you are in assigns value to individuals.

Dave said that our awareness of this phenomenon is crucial for navigating and success. We need to understand not only what we think our value is, but also how the system values us.

I struggled with this during my early to middle thirties. When I transitioned from full time entrepreneur to corporate employee, there was quite an iterative process to understanding my place in the system.

Since I had only worked for myself before, and never on a team with a traditional managerial structure, I was forced  to reframe my value in terms of its benefit to an organization. I had to evaluate the qualities I possessed that were meaningful within the broader job marketplace, not just inside my own head.

And it was a rude awakening. I filled out thousands of applications and did hundreds of interviews and got rejected for every single one.

Before I realized, oh shit, there is a difference between what I think my value is, and how the system values me.

In the end, everyone has their own unique relationship with those two charged words. But the reality is, there’s always going to be some larger social, economic, and organizational structure in which we operate.

There are always uncontrollable norms and mechanisms that influence how we are perceived, valued, and rewarded.

Whether the system is nameless, monolithic entity that’s keeping us down, I can’t be sure. That’s why honesty and adaptability are so important.

We accept reality for being what it is, but also respond to the system strategically.

Are you calling bullshit on the system, but still expecting it to magically conform to your critique?