Monthly Archives: May 2019

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Ikigai

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The oldest people in the world live in Okinawa Japan.  Studies seeking the reason for this longevity have not been conclusive. In reality, it is probably a combination of things.

One theory is longer lives are simply obtained through the practice of ikigai (roughly translated to “reason for being”).   This is not the meaning of life but rather a very personal internal connection to your own purpose.  Ikigai starts with you.

Retire and Die

I was discussing retirement in general with my son-in-law recently when he commented, “retire and die”.  His intent was to highlight the fact when you retire there is a real possibility your ikigai will be diminished or perhaps disappear entirely.

Often many of us focus on jobs through our lives, until we retire.  Without the job, which probably was our primary reason for being to that point, we need to refocus.

Life focus is not just on activities like golfing, bridge, hiking and so on but needs an underlying purpose to give meaning.  For example,  living on in order to meet your great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and so on.

This goal is not just about the activity of “meeting” someone but rather has a truly emotional and meaningful aspect.  The rationale for meeting your grandchildren is as much for them as it is for you.  It is not just about satisfying a personal emotional desire.

Live Long and Prosper

Longevity can be supported by prosperity.  That is being in a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.  Purpose is the underpinning of prosperity.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

The Air we Breathe

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Each moment of our lives we take air into our lungs.  This is an involuntary, unconscious action which is critical to remaining alive.  If you stop breathing you will die.

The basic function of breathing is to take oxygen to our cells so that they can use oxygen to make cellular energy.  This is done through the production of Addison Tri-Phosphate (ATP).

The chemical reaction resulting in ATP starts with sugar and oxygen.  Carbon dioxide is created as a by-product which is then exhaled to complete the breathing cycle.

Just Oxygen?

Unfortunately, although oxygen is the primary element in air humans seek to live, it is not the only thing that is in the air.  Airborne bacteria or viruses can enter our bodies through the air.

Worse than disease are those small particles from industrial waste or forest fires (smog).  They can really mess up the smooth operation of your internal biological processes.

Sadly, some things that pollute the air, like a massive forest fire, can be out of our control.  Even wearing a mask will not filter some of the tiny particles created by fire.

Fresh Air

Of course, if you really need a shot of fresh air a gas mask, diving tanks or a space suit can help for a bit.   The reality is though, ultimately we end up taking in the air around us.

We cannot stop breathing without very negative impacts, yet, breathing smog-laden air can have as deleterious effects, it just takes longer.

We are between a rock and a hard place.  Avoiding bad air is not always something we can do.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Changing Course

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Often we will think again or change our mind basically by the adoption of a different opinion or plan.  A decision to proceed with a specific activity (e.g., product purchase, vacation, job change) might be altered.

Once a decision is made the plan on how to achieve the associated defined goals can be developed.  During planning, factors impacting the feasibility of the original decision could cause us to change our minds.

For Example

You may decide to purchase a new television.  You undertake a search for products for a while and make a selection.

Before you actually make the purchase you become aware of a far superior product, ie, through an acquaintance, direct advertising or another unplanned channel.

This new information can easily cause you to change your mind.  If you have not initiated the purchase of the first choice this change is probably easily made.

Occasionally changing your mind can have greater impact.  In these cases the value equation comes into play.  Simply put, is the effort and impact of the change worth it.

Subjective versus Objective

Often a truly objective analysis is overridden by emotional factors modification of the original decisions might not be the most logical approach.

In these cases the value largely derives from satisfying the emotional need.  Sometimes when there are a number of stakeholders this approach is not satisfactory to all and can leave some mystified.

When changing a decision, unless only you are impacted, it is always best to communicate the rationale for the change to everyone that is impacted.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Is it Fair

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We generally expect behavior from both ourselves and others that is in accordance with defined rules and standards (i.e., fair). Of course, this falls down a bit when the rules or standards are unclear.

Some behavior standards are unwritten just embedded in the culture.  Others are embedded in our personal value systems and might not synchronize completely with other people, although typically there is a fair amount of integration with our fellow humans.

Subjectivity

One of the greatest challenges in assessing the fairness of something, even when clear rules or laws exist, lies with the different possible interpretation of associated standards.

This leads to frequent situations where things one person thinks are justified and fair might not be perceived that way by others.   Resolving this problem in a reasonable and fair way is one of the main reasons for civil courts.

A Festering Wound

One of the greatest dangers about perceived unfairness is how it can grip you mercilessly, not letting go until you explode in agony. And, still, nothing is resolved.

Given others might not be sympathetic to your perceived slight, letting it continue unresolved leading to unsocial behavior only does you harm.

While the resolution, through discussion, open communication and understanding will not always lead to the result you desire, ergo the unfairness is not eliminated, at least your inner turmoil will be shut down.

If you believe yourself unfairly treated do not ignore it, nor lash out in anger but rather do yourself a favor and find a place where you can live with the situation, release any built-up angst and basically, move on.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Simplicity is Beautiful

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Assessing and rating beauty is very subjective.  We consider a combination of qualities, (e.g., shape, color, or form), relative to their impact on our aesthetic senses, primarily but not exclusively, sight.

This can involve a complex analysis which could be concluded in a moment or taken over hours or days to settle into our consciousness before we proclaim if it is a thing of beauty.

Simple yet Complex

Typically things consist of many different and connected parts, both real and imaginary.  Those that are plain, natural and easy to understand (i.e., simple) contain an intrinsic beauty only because they are simple.

Appreciating simple things, embracing their beauty and allowing it to enhance our lives is something we often overlook.  In the bustle and drive of life itself, it is usually the more complex things we concentrate on.

The pause to appreciate the beauty of simplicity will frequently be refreshing but the value is not always, if ever, really apparent.  We often don’t recognize the value of simplicity.

Even the simple things may exist on multiple levels but little to no effort is required to comprehend and enjoy the beauty.  Yet, we frequently pass it by, treating the common place and routine as unimportant.

To Our Detriment

Unfortunately passing by those things of simple yet elegant beauty  without pause or recognition is a missed opportunity.  Things  do not need to be challenging in order to be fullfilling.

Observe, take moment, enjoy and embrace  the obvious, you won’t regret it.

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Taking Accountability

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Assigned someone accountability for an outcome (e.g., improved sales, on-time delivery, enhanced team morale) can set an expectation that might or might not be accepted.

However, if someone takes accountability on their own accord, that is by taking the initiative, the potential for success is much higher.

Remember what you perceive as acceptance of accountability might actually be just simple acquiescence or even worse passive-aggressive behavior (appearing compliant while actually not in agreement at all).

Accountable Behavior

When someone accepts accountability, it is usually very apparent through their behavior.   So much so, I have observed situations where someone is assumed to be accountable just because of how they are acting, even though they are not the assigned accountable person.

In these cases, the accountable resource could be so lethargic or apathetic  relative to executing their responsibilities, the person who takes charge (on their own volition) is just assumed to be accountable.

Believing you are accountable is much more powerful than being told you are.  Self-motivated people do not need organizational power to act.  Their behavior speaks louder than their role.

Empowerment

Strong leaders create an environment of empowerment to nourish self accountability.  Few restrictions on activities encourage you to take on more.

Taking ownership and getting things done can be invigorating.  Feeling empowered to do it just removes a barrier to action that many of us want to undertake anyway.

So get off your but, take charge and make it happen.  JUST DO IT.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Bureaucratic Boredom

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Many of us are involved with large organizations, whether for profit or not, we provide our time and effort to support the institution’s goals, voluntarily or otherwise.

Typically large organizations have some administrative bureaucracy built into their operations.  This can range from internal governance to regulatory or external requirements.  Bureaucratic behavior is probably be embedded in the organizational culture.

Putting in Time

Large organizations with heavy bureaucracies often end up with a  percentage of people that are going through the motions.  For a lot of them boredom has set in, but their daily activity is something to do ( fiscal compensation if not a volunteer role is also a motivating factor to put up with the boredom)

Leaders of large organizations particularly those with administrative operations that lean toward the bureaucratic can and should address contributor boredom proactively. For both organizational and the team members benefit.

Motivational Practices

  • Ongoing communication of why everyone’s contribution is important and successes achieved.  This is recognition needs to reach to everyone and does not work as a motivator if just focused on the organizational level.
  • Team building through regular fun activities.  Involve everyone in games and celebrations outside of the organizational context.  Let people release tensions and recharge.  Demonstrate organizational contribution is more than just day-to-day drudgery
  • Encourage innovation and creative thinking.  That creates a culture of empowerment that does not set boundaries and force everyone into a boring and mundane box.
  • Change (for the better) should be constant.  Change always includes some challenge and challenge is motivating.
Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Artificial Intelligence

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Back in the 1940’s Allan Turing prophesied the computers would ultimately develop to the point humans would not be able to distinguish between a computer or another human.

This ultimately led to the annual Turing test where a set of judges interacted with humans and computers and had to identify which was which.

Ultimately this test is for artificial intelligence.  That is, computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

Machine Learning

Although not specifically included in the definition, a key aspect of intelligence is the ability to learn.  Currently, for the burgeoning artificial intelligence field, teaching computers is a slow process.

At this stage, the learning is still at the “rote” level.  Self-initiated deductions are limited to programmed logic.  The potential for the development of logic, to enable creative thought is still a way down the road.

Enhanced Computer-Based Programs

In my humble opinion, a lot of what is touted as artificial intelligence is just more efficient and faster review, analysis and recommendations from a large amount of data.

Creating new ideas and concepts, reacting in unusual or innovative ways are underpinnings of true intelligence for me that to date there has been little sign of us replicating, outside of science fiction.

Can humans develop equipment that replicates, even improves on human thoughts?  Maybe but for me, the jury is still out.

Full disclaimer, this post was written by a living, breathing, thinking human.  Or was it?

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Reaching Understanding

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It is not unusual to misinterpret or misunderstand incoming communications.  What we hear, read or see is impacted by our personal filters.

The way we develop our thinking processes and behaviors have been demonstrated to be strongly influenced by our environment (i.e., nurture vs nature).

Adversarial Reaction

My own sad experience is frequently we react based on what we understood.  This can often be critical or derogatory and insult the communicator.

They do not immediately conclude the issue is not disagreement but rather a misunderstanding.  Responding or questioning ideas or thoughts of others based on your perceptions is normal, however, to be effective the probing should be open-ended.

Otherwise, it is not unusual for the discussion to become an argument.  I am fascinated by how frequently these arguments are resolved by both parties acknowledging they are saying similar or identical things, just in different ways.

Seek to Understand, then React

Although it is not always the natural way to respond it usually results in a more collaborative discussion when clarifications are crafted as seeking help rather than questioning what has been shared.

An example of this approach could be  ” When you describe X, I am a little confused about the detailed expectations and rational, can you provide a bit more explanation”.

As opposed to “That is stupid, makes no sense, this is what I would do”.  Ultimately the resolution to the differences could just require a better understanding by all parties of the issues, recommendations, and associated benefits or drawbacks.

Before reacting, give it some thought.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Resolving Issues

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Conflicts between humans are normal.  Expecting to live in a conflict-free environment is probably desirable but not realistic.  For most of us encountering an important topic or problem for debate or discussion is a daily occurrence.

Interacting with others to resolve issues can involve emotional responses and can lead to distress not directly associated with the issue.

Focus on the Problem

It is not unusual for us to support our positions by attacking our opponents.    This usually fails and just causes the discussion (or debate) to escalate.

The real issue is lost in the blame game.  It is human nature to be first to ensure it’s clear someone else created the problem.  Unfortunately, while this might feel right, it definitely is not the best way to achieve issue resolution.

When discussing a topic, if you are really seeking a solution, it works best to focus on the problem.  Discussion points that include names or pronouns (e.g., you, he, she, them) typically contain some attack or validation at the expense of others.

Adversarial

When the conversation includes comments on other peoples behavior, no matter how accurate you think your perspective is, the other person might not agree with you and even if they do it could be perceived as an insult.

The solution to working with others collaboratively is relatively simple.  Without reference to other actions or faults, the focus stays on point, ie, how to address and resolve the issue.

When you believe you about to referencing another person, this almost always involves a name or pronoun.  Catch yourself before it’s too late and you are more likely to attain your objective.