Understanding One-Upmanship in Work and Life

Have you ever known someone who exaggerates or makes up stories just to “one-up” someone else’s story? This phenomenon is not rare, especially in environments where competition is high. From the national guard unit to production engineering, one-upmanship can be both fascinating and frustrating.

The Art of One-Upmanship

One-Upmanship in the National Guard

One memorable instance I recall was during my time in the national guard. There was this guy known for constantly out-doubling any story I would mention. Although it happened a long time ago, the stories were too memorable not to laugh about. This individual was well-known among the troops for his knack for one-upmanship.

One-Upmanship in Engineering

In my previous role as a Production Engineer, I encountered a colleague who had a habit of making up stories to one-up everyone else. He always needed to have the more impressive story or the better experience, even if it was fabricated. His stories became so overblown that it was hard to differentiate between facts and fiction, and his credibility took a hit.

The Impact of One-Upmanship

One-upmanship isn’t just a harmless game—it can significantly alter the perception of a person. Initially, I thought he was an interesting guy, but it quickly became apparent that his stories were nothing but embellishments. Now, telling a story from him is like trying to untangle a knot—if the beginning even makes sense.

Tuning Out the Narrator

It’s essential to learn when to tune out such narrators, especially in professions where constant travel is part of the job. People who spend their days on the road—or in the service industry, for that matter—tend to have a wealth of experiences that differ from the norm.

Life Beyond Normality

The Lives of Field Workers

Flight attendants, truckers, traveling nurses, investigators, auditors, couriers, and a myriad of other professions involve extensive travel and often live a shadow life. These individuals experience different levels of reality depending on their geographical location, social class, and physical or mental condition. The reality can be rich, wild, and terrifying.

Rich Lives vs. Imagined Lives

Some people live rich lives full of diverse experiences that don’t need embellishment. In contrast, imagineers draw on their vivid imaginations to create stories. It’s fascinating how these people, often living on the road, see and experience things that most of us never will. The juxtaposition of these different realities adds a layer of complexity to their lives.

The Truth is Stranger and Richer

Despite the allure of one-upmanship, it’s often the truth that is stranger and richer than fiction. In my sixteen years of professional work, with numerous transitions between industries, there were moments of wild wonder and terrifying encounters. A truly rich life doesn’t need embellishment; the truth is often more captivating than any made-up story.

So, the next time you encounter someone who constantly one-ups, remember that their stories might be more about creating a narrative than sharing genuine experiences. And for those with vivid imaginations, their stories, while entertaining, might not align with the reality of their lives.