31 March From Analysis to Perception (...contemplation...)

[Paul Terlemezian]

In the beginning...we learn mechanically - for example the generally accepted way of writing the letter "A." Eventually we learn to stylize and adapt (A, A, A) but in the begining - we learn it a specific way.

 

Most any task can be analyzed into steps and the "science" of the task is to effectively apply the steps.

 

The "art" of the task is effective when something goes wrong or changes or we forgot a step. We must apply our judgment and experience as we adapt.

 

Is it more important to get the results desired or is it more important to follow the process? (I am not encouraging the breaking of legal or ethical standards.)

 

In the latter half of the 20th century we suffered from the syndrome that format mattered more than content - It was better to look good (perception) than to be good (analysis.)

 

In the 21st century we need both (look good and be good.) How is this being taught in the workplace?

 

How are we teaching the judgment that is needed to apply the "art?"

[Paul Terlemezian]

The phrase - "All's Fair in Love and War" - feels accurate and troubling to me.

Perhaps the accuracy is in human terms and fairness does matter in eternity.

What about areas such as management, customer service, selling, innovating, learning - is all fair? We have cultural norms and sometimes laws that determine fairness - and yet even these change over time. Think about the ways that norms regarding music have evolved. Our industry has a poor reputation for "stealing" knowledge. With virtually no way of proving where an idea came from - almost anyone can claim the right to teach something without citing the source.

With learning - perhaps - we may abandon ownership - and focus instead on outcomes. If our rewards are based on outcomes then perhaps it will be "fairer?"