This episode integrates the Plumb as a practical decision test, using the “nice guy finishes last” pattern as a concrete example. The focus is on how unstated objectives and misaligned behavior pull people out of plumb, and how explicitly naming what you want restores grounding, agency, and honesty.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Many pro-social behaviors are driven by unstated objectives.
• “Nice guy” behavior often trades clarity for implied social pressure.
• Misalignment occurs when behavior is not visibly connected to a stated goal.
• Naming what you want removes resentment and martyrdom.
• The Plumb can be used in real time to test whether behavior can actually produce the desired outcome.

💬 Featured Quotes

• “Nice guys finishing last is a plumb problem.” (1:06–1:13)
• “It is a misapplication of behaviors to achieve an unstated outcome.” (1:13–1:18)
• “They are trying to do the right thing in order to achieve an outcome.” (1:26–1:39)
• “There is a disconnect somewhere in the line.” (1:39–1:47)
• “The unstated expectation… that I was going to exchange this behavior for some form of social capital.” (2:18–2:37)
• “That unstated objective is the core of the nice guy problem.” (2:41–2:46)
• “That’s not plumb behavior and it’s not building plumb relationships.” (3:42–3:46)
• “First things first, state what you want.” (4:15–4:21)
• “That’s going to solve 99% of your problems.” (4:21–4:29)
• “Stop trying to expect the world… to become a mind reader.” (5:23–5:29)
• “Figure out what it is you want.” (5:53–5:55)
• “Is the behavior I’m undertaking able to create that outcome?” (6:10–6:14)
• “If the answer is no, you’re operating out of plumb.” (6:14–6:19)

Creators & Guests