I read this recently and wanted to share....

The Myth of MEANING…

People think words mean things and that they know what they mean. Both claims are untrue! When Government talks of change, reform, choice, progress, social contract, radical new initiatives, transparency, accountability etc. they mean nothing. But most people don’t know this as the world of politics, (like management) expect the opposite. If they say strategy, for example, it simply means strategy.

The test is simple! If someone is talking such ‘speak’ then ask if you can imagine successful action based specifically on what they say…..when we cannot, they are playing with words and assuming you don’t know

Another Myth...The SCIENTIST....

This claims that there is an expertise, science and that people who are good at it deserve a lot of attention. This is so false. There is no such thing as a scientist and its a shame that 'William Whewell', a poor philosopher invented the term. There are biologists, chemists, physicists, mathematicians and so on....Very bright people, but step them one pace outside their specialist area and they are no better than he rest of us. The myth is propelled by the routine 'white-coat' brought out as the 'Government Scientist' everytime there is a problem.

We have to remember there are no 'facts' only 'truths'...... a large number of them, used as and when to prove a point and gain power over others...

Final one honest..

The Myth of (yes you've guessed it) MANAGEMENT...

This claims you people can be managed like a warehouse and airport and that some people are better than others at it. This is entirely wrong. It suggests people can be controlled, ordered, given incentives, penalties, suppressed and motivated to work. Human mess can be administered but administration is not management. One tries to ignore individual needs and people by treating them as mere means to an end. However, as I am sure most will agree, to do so will simply result in people becoming irritable, subversive and quickly UNmanageable!

When we see the mess/damage management has on an organisation (people) our reaction is to respond by hiring more managers to manage the mess and then more layers of managers to oversee the managers.... Of course most organisations don't do this, they simply buy in the worst type of managers..... Consultant Managers!

Consultants claim to scientific management (see the link!) and therefore costs more. There are of course great reason for hiring consultants.... its easy to pass the buck, and justify public spend for a new structure....but the mess (people) still remain, if just a little more irritated, subversive and hardened to management...

PT...