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is this. When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or…

“is this. When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?” If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way…” quote by Tina Fey
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““is this. When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?” If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when you’re in charge, don’t hire the people who were jerky to you. If the answer is yes, you have a more difficult road ahead of you. I suggest you model your strategy after the old Sesame Street film piece “Over! Under! Through!” (If you’re under forty you might not remember this film. It taught the concepts of “over,” “under,” and “through” by filming toddlers crawling around an abandoned construction site. They don’t show it anymore because someone has since realized that’s nuts.) If your boss is a jerk, try to find someone above or around your boss who is not a jerk.* If you’re lucky, your workplace will have a neutral proving ground—like the rifle range or the car sales total board or the SNL read-through. If so, focus on that. Again, don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions. Go “Over! Under! Through!” and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they””

Tina Fey

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Assess whether obstacles block your goals; if not, ignore them and focus on work; if yes, navigate strategically using indirect routes and neutral spaces.

In simple terms: Ignore non‑blocking obstacles, use neutral ground for strategy.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize energy on productive tasks, not on changing others.

Themes

career strategy workplace power dynamics

Mood

determined pragmatic

Type

advice strategic

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • project planning
  • conflict resolution
  • leadership development

Key Concepts

systems thinking indirect influence neutral zones

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you identify neutral spaces for strategic action?
  • When is confronting a blocker more effective than bypassing?
A Different Perspective

Overly simplifying complex interpersonal dynamics can overlook systemic issues.

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