By Rick Tate
To quote an unheralded Deming phrase… “No Theory, No Learning.” Explained, it warns us that unless we fully understand the theory, set of assumptions or thinking that we held true when we created practices and procedures that we use presently, we will be forever condemned to create different versions of what we have always done in the future. The result… no real change, just different manifestations of what we always used to do.
Unless our beliefs, theories, assumptions and thinking is critiqued and challenged for validity, what we build in the future will rest on a foundation that is the same as it always was.
Consider the following: “How we think determines what we measure.” (Einstein)
We have understood for years that the gateway to change is through our belief system and accepted theories. Yet, in many instances we have conditioned ourselves not to learn as in our quest for quick fix answers we short-circuit the very element that is critical to effective problem solving and effective change…the examination of the thinking and beliefs that we built today’s practices on.
As Thomas Paine so aptly stated …”A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it the superficial appearance of being right.”
If we hold true the theory that the earth is flat then we make decisions and create practices within that framework of thinking and are blinded to the possibilities that are present under a different theory. Worse, all improvements to those practices will be nothing more than upgraded versions of what always was and not breakthroughs.
Almost every significant breakthrough is the result of a courageous break with traditional ways of thinking (a change of theory!). If managers “believe” their views are facts rather than a set of assumptions (or personal theories) that they have accepted as truth, they will not be open to challenging those views and will never create the type of change that will dramatically affect the business. Any future practices or procedures that are altered without a change in thinking or theory will be disguised versions of those same practices or procedures. Is it any wonder that we keep re-creating the wheel?
We are conditioned to steer away from this type of change and become more “action” oriented or pragmatic in our approach. However, this allure to action short circuits the learning process and inhibits effective change in business. We’ve all heard over and over again…”I don’t have time for theory, I need practical application and action.” Perhaps we have created the very approach that is our biggest obstacle to effective problem solving and change in business.
No Theory, No Learning? A message that will serve us well and a discipline that will bring about lasting results.
I hope you found this article by my colleague Rick Tate helpful.
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Ray Miller is Managing Partner of The Training Bank, a Training and Consulting firm specializing in Customer Focus, Service Improvement, Leadership and fully customized training solutions. He is also co-author of the book That’s Customer Focus.