Recently, I published a
slide of two very frequently asked questions during interview in campuses, including
most commonly accepted answers.
Given that these
answers are commonly accepted, there were hardly any comments offering
alternatives or modifications. Think through and we will realize that putting a
simple validation to check if A & B (include C for Q2) are of same value we
don’t need to run the logic and simply exit or display a message saying all
variables contain same value. This is making logic and system withstand
boundary conditions or simply put making your logic and system idiot proof.
Why is it important
enough for me to write but more importantly why should you read?
Let’s begin by
examining what happens when question is asked? Respondents answer assuming that
variables have different values, while ignoring to test their logic for
boundary conditions.
Real importance of this
lies in understanding underlying operating mechanism we use while interacting
with people and our environment. Every time, we interact with others we act
based on our assumptions. It’s like answers to questions in the picture.
We often use
“Perception is reality“. Our world is our perception based on our prejudices,
shaped by our fears, fueled by our ignorance. We have either been told or have
told someone to manage their perception. Manager’s with all good intention end
up saying, “you need to manage your perception”. Is it really possible for
anyone to manage other’s perception? It is far better to share specific expected behaviors and actions.
People repeatedly say – Life isn’t fair. This phrase is answer to every situation – whether
someone is imposing unfair solution, reward, work, pay etc or trying to console
someone in bad place. We even use it while trying to motivate people. But who
needs to be reminded that Life isn’t fair.
We all are in pursuit
of happiness; chasing one dream after another, one milestone after another and
one acquisition after another; while ignoring to test our actions for boundary conditions.
I am reminded of a quote from Victor Frankl: “Don’t aim at success.
The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it.
For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued. It must ensue, and it only does
so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause
greater than oneself.”
A wise man once said
– “People need connections, if you have connections you will live happily.”
Nothing demonstrates this more than our emphasis on connectivity for all
gadgets (Internet, Bluetooth, wireless etc).
You have
responsibility for your world (perception, point of view and so on). Don’t let
others shape your point of view. This is ignorance.
A colleague once shared a gem; he told responsibility is responding with
ability.
We spend so much time
and resources in improving processes to remove non value added activities but
we spend so little on improving human processes and take out non value adding
emotions from people’ life. (HOW
: Retaining Leadership)
The
picture, “Perception process capability Six Sigma way”, demonstrates work and discipline we need just to accept different realities
around us. Accepting them is mere first step in dealing with different
realities.
Adding the validation
for all variables having same values is great example of ability. Similarly, to
have connections, you need to look past your own assumption and a different
reality. Appreciate all subjective realities, without judgement. Your reality is limited. So are others’. Break
your limitation and make room for theirs, even if they can’t or don’t.
You have ability to
see the world from others points of view. This is Care. When you do your tasks by appreciating there
are many forces at work, not all under your control, this is wisdom.
Another year comes to
an end, we will be trying to connect dots and figure out what worked and what
didn’t work. What we accomplished and what we didn’t. Organisations will be
working on performance management using various approaches. Individually and
collectively we will be setting out goals and actions for year ahead.
While connecting your
dots and finding answers remember not to miss :
- People need connections, If you have connections you will live happily.
- Life is not fair. But you can be, even if others can’t or won’t.
- Move towards wisdom from Ignorance by responding with ability and Care.
Warm Regards,
Pankaj
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