Category: Systems Thinking

How many days to replace a light bulb?

On By brainsbriIn Curiosity, Project Management, Random Thoughts, Strategy, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

It took nearly a year and a half for a paper towel dispenser to be replaced in my office.

Because it was too expensive? Not likely – I’d guess under $100.

Because it was too complex and needed that amount of time? Nope – that type of task should conservatively take about 4 hours of actual work to complete.

Complex tasks need that amount of time to be completed.

Simple tasks – like this dispenser – are sidelined to focus on the complex, “more meaningful” tasks. Simple tasks could (and should) just be handled when they are identified, but they are delayed by complex project management processes.

Simple tasks are bogged down by process.

But without process, complex tasks inevitably fail.

What’s the solution?

We don’t deserve fusion

On By brainsbriIn Modern Challenges, Observations, Perspectives, Random Thoughts, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

Unlimited energy is appealing in theory – but we’re laughably irresponsible with the finite energy we have now.

Imagine how wasteful we’d be with [virtually] no limits.

Think about how you are with a new tube of toothpaste, or a new shampoo bottle. How about at the buffet?

It isn’t until we reach the last drop that we start behaving in the conservative ways we should have been from start.

The Abundance Illusion

On By brainsbriIn Environment, Observations, Perspectives, Strategy, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

Full tank of gas? It’s NASCAR, baby! Let’s go!

Running on empty? Drive it like Grandpa stole it.

New tube of Toothpaste? gimmie all the mint!

End of the tube? squeeze it, roll it, press it until you get that last little bit, and that’s good enough to brush with.

Same with shampoo. Or soap. Or anything else in a tube or bottle or container.

We don’t realize how little we truly need until the stockpile is nearing depletion.

In most cases we can’t truly know what remains. Any idea how many fish are left in the ocean? I certainly don’t. Yet our default is to the abundance mindset, believing the cache is bountiful, when in most cases it isn’t.

 You require much less than you realize. Pay attention. Use less.

Selective Individuality

On By brainsbriIn Other, Personal Development, Politics, Random Thoughts, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

We scream from the rooftops that we want our independence. We need no one. We should be treated as individuals, and allow ourselves to live our lives.

Perfectly fair.

But unless you’re sewing your own clothes, building your own home, assembling your own car, generating your own electricity, and growing your own food, then you are obliged to acknowledge that you are reliant on others. Very few achieve – or even want, I’d argue – total independence.

We cannot selectively decide that we want individual treatment in certain situations that favor us, but then demand equitable treatment when the benefits are unfavorable.

We are a social species. Like it or not, we need each other. Embrace the help. Support your fellow humans.