Are You Poisoned by the Past or Powered by the Present?

I am listening to the Small B!G.  I like to listen while I run and this book is so packed with simple ideas I often have to turn it off half way through my workout so as not to get to overloaded and forget what I have learned.  The best part for me is they are all based on science, not opinion, common practice, folklore or mysticism.  Each idea is supported by research and the results are astounding.  In the same style as Dan Pink or Dan Ariely the authors use academic research to create applicable understanding.  Many examples seem quite obvious in retrospect but difficult for us to recognize when we are in our left brain repetitive routine mode.

I was sharing one of these small B!G ideas with my wife this morning as we were passing the line of cars leading to the local courthouse. She shared that she had been on jury duty four times and the last time was the first time she felt appreciated.

Apparently the same person had been responsible for jurors for the last 30 years and she had accepted that the process was not intended to be pleasant. Hard benches, interminable waiting and restroom breaks were strictly monitored. Due process was symbolized by undue discomfort.

In sharp contrast my wife’s last experience with her democratic duty was darn near delightful. As she entered the room she thought she might be lost. A movie was playing coffee and pastries were served as people gathered together chatting as if they were meeting new friends. The responsibility was the same. They were still required to be there. Serious matters would be discussed but one person decided not accept the status quo.

Most of the money for this unnecessary extravagance came from those who generally didn’t accept the small stipend offered for their service so the investment was minute. This was a Small B!G, a small difference that set the stage for people wanting to be part of the democratic process instead of being forced to comply with preconceived policies.

Are we blind to these simple opportunities or do we simply treat people the same way we are treated?

The truth is probably some of both and the somewhat frightening part of this whole process is we believe we know why we do what we do. We vehemently justify our behaviors and are quite often wrong.

Opportunities for Analysis

• Do your systems encourage experimentation or reinforce regulation?

• Are your hierarchies hindering?

• If you are comfortable where you are just take a moment and imagine what your competition is doing.

• Better yet ask your employees what they think your competition is doing to be better than you.