Caution: Your Self, Your Systems , and Quaker Parrots

You and I may have something in common (in addition to work).

Anytime I come across a parrot, I try to strike up a conversation to see if the bird will talk back. Don't you? For some reason, it's perfectly acceptable for humans to be seen in public attempting to talk with parrots. And if they talk back, it's a treat.

At least for a while.

The problem that arises is this: the darned bird has no idea what it's saying or why it's saying it. Parrots aren't into context. Which is why they, uh, "parrot" things.

What does this have to do with you and systems?

Workplaces are all about systems, and rightfully so. Without systems we would waste time doing the same task differently at each attempt. Makes no sense.

So systems are good. Excellent, in fact. Learning what works and replicating it is a wise thing to do. All of you 5S, GTD, SAP, and PDQ Bach people know that.

So why is "Caution" up there in the headline?

There is a distinct difference between replicating successful systems and trying to mindlessly copy the behavior of managers or management "techniques" that have worked before. 

Take  inspiration from your mentors and models, but become a person who manages upon a foundation of guiding principles. Learn and understand why something worked in the past, taking into account the context in which it worked. That context will help you build a set of principles on which to base your management, your organizational life, and your career.

Use the best models out there to gain a better understanding of management and why you do what you do.

The caution?… None of your people really wants to speak with a managerial parrot.

Oh, why Quaker Parrots? According to this, they are "charming (with)comical personalities and a willingness to learn human speech; the Quaker Parrot is an excellent choice for those who want all the fun of a large parrot in a smaller package. They adapt well to living in a "human flock" setting, and enjoy spending time with their owners."

Could be better than having the teenagers around.

Bonus Alert: Dan McCarthy will get you TORC-ed up about what's most important to your career as well as a related hiring process. This is a primo post.

Comments

[Lynn M]

I enjoyed your post, Steve! This makes a lot of sense when it comes to a corporate career, or any career for that matter. It is always wise to be open to learning from those who have more experience, but you should always (to quote American Idol's judge slash genius, Paula Abdul, "snicker"...)"make it your own." Using this very example, a person could have a perfect technical voice, but if they don't put their own touch and their own emotions into a song their performance isn't very effective. It's also why you'll like taking a course from a certain teacher or professor, going to a specific doctor or dentist, and yes, working with certain managers. Many people work in the same positions/same occupations, but it is their personal touch that makes all the difference. Speaking of teenagers....isn't that what we always tell them? "Be Yourself."

[Mike Wagner]

Wonderful insights. There's a whole workshop on how to build principles lingering in my mind having read this one!

Also, mention of parrots reminds me of the parrot I taught to say, "Christ died for your sins." The guy working on my dishwasher one day felt funny asking if my parrot talked. I said "no". (was that wrong?) And he said, I could swear your parrot was trying to convert me.

I finally relented and told him he wasn't crazy or hearing things.

Keep creating...practical surprise,
Mike

[Steve Roesler]

Lynn,

You have created a first on All Things Workplace: a Paula Abdul quote!

But that is, indeed, the point. If you don't make it your own, your career is the equivalent of a cover band at the neighborhood bar.

[Steve Roesler]

Mike,

There are a lot of congregations who would appreciate the brevity and clarity of your parrot in the pulpit:-)

This is one of the reasons I enjoy blogging; you never know what's going to pop up from real life as a result of a post!