Arbitrary
/AR-bi-trer-ee/
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📖 Meaning
based on random choice rather than reason or system
✏️ Example
The teacher said the number was arbitrary, just an example.
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📚 Story
288 words • ~1 min read
When the new manager joined the small design company, everyone hoped the workplace would become more organized and efficient. The team had struggled for months with unclear instructions and sudden changes in deadlines.
However, within a few weeks, employees began noticing something strange about the manager's decisions. He frequently assigned tasks in what seemed like an arbitrary manner. Sometimes experienced designers were asked to handle very simple tasks, while new interns received complicated projects.
At first, the team assumed there must be a hidden strategy. But as time passed, the pattern continued. Meeting times changed without explanation, project priorities shifted suddenly, and deadlines appeared to be arbitrary.
This arbitrary management style created confusion in the office. Designers spent more time trying to understand instructions than actually completing their work. One project nearly failed because the manager made an arbitrary decision to change the design just one day before the presentation.
Finally, Maya, a senior designer, decided to address the issue. During a team meeting, she politely asked the manager to explain the reasoning behind his decisions. She explained that many of his instructions felt arbitrary and made planning difficult for the team.
The manager looked surprised. He admitted that he often made quick choices without fully explaining them. In his previous job, he worked in a smaller team where everyone automatically understood his intentions.
Realizing the problem, he promised to improve communication. Instead of making arbitrary decisions, he began discussing project plans openly with the team.
Gradually, the office atmosphere changed. Clear goals replaced arbitrary instructions, and employees felt more confident about their work.
Within a few months, the team completed several successful projects. The experience taught everyone an important lesson: decisions that seem arbitrary can create confusion, but clear reasoning can bring stability and trust.
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