Before starting, I would like point it out explicitly, this is not an attempt to relate obvious antonyms to create a buzz.
In developed countries, pretty much most of the activities are organized and executed with a plan. This has become a de facto standard and being without plan is considered as disaster. Even reacting to disasters are well planned and in some cases pre-planned and dress rehearsed.
With the plan, they are able create a discipline thus scale any solutions to new heights. This is how modern world evolved.
What else one can ask for if everything is planned, executed tracked and measured? Are there really any short comings on this model?
Yes. This model too can be improved.
The most un-obvious cost of making everything as predictable and measurable is -
LOSS OF ALERTNESS!
For most part, this model works fantastic in industrial evolution starting from school education to space exploration where machines are not fully grown humans (kids) are involved. But in some cases, it fails miserably in human centric activities, especially when managing highly intelligent individuals.
Planning proposes Certainty.
Certainty expects Predictability.
Predicability requires Repetitiveness.
Repetitiveness brings Monotonous.
Monotonous creates Boredom.
Boredom results in loss of Alertness.
Loss of Alertness is the cause of Imperfection.
Imperfection leads to Planning (step1)
So, this becomes a vicious cycle and goes for ever in the name of excellence.
I would like to point out few examples, where lot of strangers need to co-ordinate silently without any major plan/instructions on day to day life.
Ever wondered, Subway crowds in large cities walk without colliding each other? Especially, people in New York walking on the streets during peak morning/evening hours.
If you have experienced driving in developing/ under developed countries, where traffic rules are not enforced and/or obeyed, its chaotic order. So many people would not even dare to drive. But casualty rate is lower or comparable to highly organized traffic systems.
There is a famous South Indian Temple (Tirupati), where millions of people visit every day. Mile long queue ends just before the main entrance and people walk to the main temple on their own without any queues or rules or enforcement. Imagine hundreds of people walk into 10-feet entrance at once without any major disturbance.
All these are possible, because they expect "disaster as default behavior" if they are not alert in these scenarios. This brings keen Alertness when they are involved in those activities which enables them to easily accomplish such complex co-ordination without much hassle.
In a developed world and matured organizations, lack of alertness is the biggest of worry of slowdown!
As an inefficient workaround, many a times system generates some of below man-made troubles to keep the alertness and motivate the people to get going.
Enforced Economic Recession
Enforced Management Change
Enforced Government Change
Enforced Process Change
Enforced Military Exercises
These cavities make temporary relief until they become the normal. Again we enforce them.
Are there any really effective alternatives to keep people alert and focussed all the time?
What kind of goals/rewards can keep people motivated throughout the life?
How can we make every activity of an individual as perfect as possible?
I do in search of these answers. The harder we raise the questions, solutions go deep and leads to self-inquiry and search of ultimate goals. But if you have experienced any practical solutions, please do share.
