When I first read the statement "It's All Invented", I thought the author was telling us that we as a generation thought everything had already been invented and are giving up. Then I read further and finally understood after the explanation to the Korean student that the systems of measurement we have are just an invention and we define that measurement. So we should define it to benefit us.
I have often tried to get other people including coworkers, students and friends to think outside the box. I am the type of person that when you tell me I can't do something I will make it my goal in life to prove you wrong. I think I often frustrate others because when they start on a negative path I question them unmercifully on why they think the way they do. Working for a state school many of the employees work as though there are not options other than the rules the state gives us. They do not try to come up with other ideas to get their quest accomplished, but just give up. This act of giving in saddens me. I really enjoyed this chapter because it gave me ideas on how to converse with the nay sayers by rewording the authors questions and ask:
- What assumptions are you making that I am not aware you are making, that make you think this way?
- What might I now help you invent that has not been invented that would give us other choices?
Chapter 2. Stepping into a Universe of Possibility: We live in a world of measurements. The Zanders recommend that when we look at how different things appear we can see them as possibilities. How are your thoughts and actions a reflection of the measurement world?
Even though I see myself as an out of the box thinker, or trouble maker, depending on who you ask, I realize that I am a victim of the measurements. Even getting this masters degree is a form of measurement. One of my life goals is to be a recognized international speaker. In order to do that there are preconceived measurements of qualifications to be credible in the speaking profession. I have almost 30 years of experience in the technical arena but no paper to back me up. So my action is to obtain these sheets of paper that say I know what I am saying.
Chapter 3. Giving an A: Giving Yourself an A.
In this chapter as I was reading I thought, "Sure give them all an A, then see how your attendance holds up." But the author addresses the fact that everyone is important even the second chair violinist. The student is then accountable not only to himself but also the entire class, no matter how redundant his role is. In the MAC class I believe grades have also been put on the back burner as most of the assignments are pass fail. It seems to help me be more free in what I express on paper to not have to worry that I might get a lower grade.
As far as me personally giving myself an A it is a hard task for me. I am very close to how Zanders describes the person that cannot break free of the assumptions I have about myself. I have waited until my midlife to come back to school and still have that voice inside that says I will never finish, never reach the goal. Sometimes thinking it is better not to try than to try and fail. I find it easier to give others A's and be graceful to them accepting all the blame on me for any failures. Then I read the part about raising your had and saying how fascinating when making mistakes. I have always had the forgiving and learn from your mistakes attitude for others now it is time I do this for myself.
The first three chapters of this book were very cathartic for me, I am really looking forward to the remainder.
References
Zander, Rosamund, Zander, Benjamin, Company, R.R., & Arny, Rose. (2000). Forthcoming books. Harvard Business Press
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