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Neurodivergent icon
Neurodivergent 2d
I need help. I’m so afraid of accidentally doing “weaponized incompetence” but I genuinely have a fear of doing things I haven’t done before without help. How do I go about it so that others know I’m willing to try I just need them to show me?
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Anonymous 2d

If I’m not wrong, weaponized incompetence is a bit of a manipulative tactic that is knowingly used with a specific intention. You demonstrating that you are willing to try the task after being shown how to do it or walked through in a way your brain understands, shows you aren’t doing “weaponized incompetence”. Just communicate! Let people know openly that you’d prefer certain instructions that works with your brain, and that clears the ball on your court, if that makes sense :)

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 2d

Yes, weaponized incompetence is someone pretending they don’t know how to do something/ doing something poorly in order to get someone to do something FOR them.

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 2d

I guess I’m just worried it’ll look like that’s what I’m doing, especially when tasks get pushed back because I need to be shown or others will just do it on their own bc they don’t want to slow down to show me. Idk. Thanks!

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 2d

That’s where communication like commenter #1 comes in. Express an eagerness and desire to learn and (reasonable) people won’t be upset. People trying to do weaponized incompetence usually say I don’t know how/I can’t. People trying to learn things usually say I don’t know how/ I can’t yet but I would love to learn so I know how.

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 2d

As they’re showing you, you could mimic their actions and ask if you’re doing it right. That way they can physically see that you’re engaging and learning.

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Anonymous replying to -> #3 2d

This is a great idea. I do this when I’m being trained at work too. Asking them if you can help or if you can try can also show them you’re curious and motivated.

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