Thursday, March 21, 2013

Signaling

I am a lover of game theory. Game theory studies strategy and interaction between two firms or people. In game theory, signaling is communication before choices are made. Signaling helps to indicate what kind of actions you will take so others can act accordingly.

Signals are preceded with questions, often unspoken: Why should I trust you? What makes you better than everyone else? What's in it for me? The truth is, they have reason not to trust or believe you are better or believe you are acting in their benefit.

The signal is meant to be a indication of your good intentions. Successful signals say "I care about your needs more than mine." For this reason, signaling costs to succeed.

What do we signal to others?

Are we true to that signal?

Stop now and think about your thoughts, words, and actions. What signals are given off through each of those? What non-verbal signals? What do people think you represent? Are these signals you want others receiving?

We must be true to our signals. Honesty is key. Dishonesty hurts those around us and ourselves. False signals show us to be something we are not. One day it will catch up with you.

"When we are honest in every way, we are able to enjoy peace of mind and maintain self-respect. We build strength of character, which allows us to be of service to God and others. We are trustworthy in the eyes of God and those around us." (True to the Faith)