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Achieving your aims through obliquity
Found an interesting article on achieving one's goal using a principle called obliquity that I thought may be of interest. A good principle to use in situations involving high complexity and uncertainty. Sound familiar?
Obliquity describes the process of achieving objectives indirectly, such as the financial success that comes from a real commitment to business. And obliquity is ubiquitous - it can even be applied to happiness. It has long been suspected that the happiest people are not those who pursue it directly. John Stuart Mill was the strongest exponent of utilitarianism, the notion that the goal of mankind was the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people. Yet towards the end of his (far from happy) life, Mill found that 'this end was only to be attained by not making it the direct end. Those only are happy (I thought) who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness - on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way.' ...
Obliquity is the best approach wherever complex systems evolve in an uncertain environment, and whenever the effect of our actions depends on the ways in which others respond to them. Directness is appropriate when the environment is stable, objectives are one-dimensional and transparent, and it is possible to determine when and whether goals have been achieved. And only then.
THE PRINCIPLES OF OBLIQUITY
- Have objectives, but keep your approach flexible so that you can overcome unforeseen obstacles and take advantage of surprise opportunities.
- Know that your knowledge is always imperfect and incomplete. Cast your net wide - always go fishing for more.
- Don't be afraid to change tack once you've started if you see a better course.
- Meandering can lead to serendipitous discoveries and unexpected benefits.
- Think laterally to solve problems: indirect solutions can often be the most effective answer.
Obliquity is the best approach wherever complex systems evolve in an uncertain environment, and whenever the effect of our actions depends on the ways in which others respond to them. Directness is appropriate when the environment is stable, objectives are one-dimensional and transparent, and it is possible to determine when and whether goals have been achieved. And only then.
THE PRINCIPLES OF OBLIQUITY
- Have objectives, but keep your approach flexible so that you can overcome unforeseen obstacles and take advantage of surprise opportunities.
- Know that your knowledge is always imperfect and incomplete. Cast your net wide - always go fishing for more.
- Don't be afraid to change tack once you've started if you see a better course.
- Meandering can lead to serendipitous discoveries and unexpected benefits.
- Think laterally to solve problems: indirect solutions can often be the most effective answer.
Views: 20
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Comment by Nick Heyming on March 6, 2010 at 4:15am
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Kind of like the idea that its not the destination, but the journey thats really the wh*** point. I've never heard that term before, thanks!
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Comment by Ida on March 6, 2010 at 9:51pm
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Sounds like a good recipe for collaboration.
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Comment by Arthur on March 9, 2010 at 6:52am
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I dig the idea.
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Comment by F. Blaine MacKinnon on March 9, 2010 at 6:59am
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This used to be called using your head or common sense. It all starts from being a constructive and productive person, respecting ourselves and each other. Little things like cleaning up our own messes and helping others lead to great successes.
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