> In reading Scott's
> response to Bill Bray (Replying to LO20779 --)
> "Others here will be much more able to post
> about Senge's thinking but my model of the world would suggest that
> the "gap" between self-perception of current state and some perception
> of "desired state" will generally cause motivation toward closing the
> gap. "
I was reminded of the analog I read that Eli Goldratt (Theory of
Constraints) told. You are on an island in the middle of a flood, ravaged
river. The river runs through a deep canyon. On the island with you, is
a mermaid. In the rising water are alligators that are trying to eat you.
Up on the edge of the canyon, glistening in the sun is a pot of gold.
Hence the four considerations of all change efforts.
The current state:
Asset: You get to stay with the mermaid you know, your comfort zone.
Liabilities: The alligators could get you. The world is changing.
The future state:
Asset: You could get the pot of gold. You could be successful.
Liabilities: That dangerous climb up the canyon wall, you could break a leg
or your neck.
Goldratt believes all four considerations - mermaid, alligator, pot of
gold, and the climb - must be considered. And for me, one of these must
stand out to motivate people to change.
Goldratt further points out to managers that providing a rope or ladder to
make the climb seem less dangerous is a good step in helping people leave
the mermaid.
Hope this helps in understanding our perceptions of change.
Peace
Jim Vaillancourt
Inner Ink
--Jim Vaillancourt <tinkrjim@chi.tds.net>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>