Rule of the Simple Explanation LO20746

BirreD@mail01.dnr.state.wi.us
Fri, 26 Feb 1999 11:29:30 -0600

Dear colleagues,

I'd like some feedback on one of my mental models, which I call The Rule
of the Simple Explanation. It states:

"A simple explanation is preferable to a complex one, provided one
maintains the assumption that there is more to the situation than meets
the eye."

To put it another (more complex) way, if a simple understanding of
something suits my purposes, then I don't need to analyze it thoroughly;
that only distracts me and creates confusion. But I should always be
aware that my understanding is limited by my circumstances, maintaining a
curiosity about what lies beneath the surface. When a situation arises
that calls for a more complete understanding, I'm ready for further
learning.

In a way, this is deliberate ignorance. I find it useful because my
particular thinking patterns involve focusing intently on a
narrowly-defined subject (low "band-width"), with the rest of the universe
off-topic at that moment. It's a way of giving myself permission to have
a tight focus while respecting the validity of the larger context. It's
also a way of reining in my intuition, which tends to see things all at
once in neat packages.

Does this speak to organizational experience? Do we tend to jump at the
simple explanation without recognizing there's more to it? Does our
learning tend to come as surprises because we fail to acknowledge there's
something more that isn't in front of our eyes?

With curiosity,

Dave
------------------------
* David E. Birren
Project Manager and Consultant,
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(608) 267-2442
"Teach your tongue to say 'I do not know' and you will progress."
-- Maimonides

-- 


BirreD@mail01.dnr.state.wi.us


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