Individual Competence vs. Organizational Efficiency LO28858

From: PODOLSKY,JOE (HP-Cupertino,ex1) (joe_podolsky@hp.com)
Date: 07/17/02


Replying to LO28850 --

This discussion and Gladwell's article reminds me of the story we used to
tell, when quality was the management method de jour, about the Bozo
Machine:

Suppose you were betting on a rowing race on the Charles River. Your
choice is between the Harvard Crew, a buff bunch of well-conditioned,
well-trained 20 year olds; and my team of overage refuges from the local
ice cream shoppe. Which team would you bet on?

Now suppose I tell you that the Harvard gang is going to race in a big
wash tub, so that the harder they row, the faster they spin, while my
pleasantly plump pals and I will use a sleek racing scull. Wanna change
your bet?

The wash tub is a Bozo Machine. A Bozo Machine turns really capable
people into clowns.

Joe

joe_podolsky@hp.com

-- 

"PODOLSKY,JOE (HP-Cupertino,ex1)" <joe_podolsky@hp.com>

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