If you are new to this site, please know that it is just a random collection of my various writings and observations. It is not systematic, and it may not be particularly helpful. Nevertheless, I have begun to add this information as a means of providing access to my work. I am grateful that you have taken the time to visit.
- Flint McGlaughlin
Observations/Reflections: On Syntax Delineated Coating
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/09/10
Written: 02/04/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
In my ever present dissatisfaction with the way argument is set down on paper, I've been experimenting with coding the syntax of arguments in a superscript, symbolic form. This requires you to consider how each sentence fits into the argument. In this way, 100,000 words are ordered systematically in the most effective order. That is the theory. In practice, the exercise reveals yet again, the messiness of thinking.
It is so difficult to distinguish inference from observation. It is so difficult to delineate nested conclusions from reason. In the end, there is a pursuing of order that leads to absolute futility. I have spent thirty years trying to protect myself from the near insanity that comes with such pursuits. Still, I am soldiering on. If I can accept a working method, rather than a perfect method, I can still approximate an improvement. It reminds me of my earlier observation and the clause that I scroll across much of my work. All My Thinking Is Provisional (AMTIP).
Observations/Reflections: On Reflection as the Edge of Sanity
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/08/10
Written: 02/23/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
To adapt another's proverb, I must confess that in "making many observations there is much weariness". It is painful to think, but it's more painful not to think. If I can at first avoid reflection, I can escape the dilemmas which trouble me, but I can only escape them in the short-term. They come back with a vengeance, pounding me into submission. I cannot think, but I must. This may be the edge of sanity.
Observations/Reflections: On the Cultivation of People, and Environment
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/03/10
Written: 02/22/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I have spent more time considering the cultivation of people, than I have the cultivation of an environment in which people thrive. In some ways the former has served the latter. In other ways, I have fallen short. I need to consider how to create an environment that keeps people empowered and healthy. For the most part, I think our organization is a good place to work. It is certainly much better than many I have seen, but this not enough. Adequacy is the enemy of excellence. With some reflection, it might be possible to make the physical space and the interaction within it, healthier. To think of process is not enough. All process takes place within a sphere. It seems, then, that management is not just about biology. It's about a geography that enables good biology.
Observations/Reflections: On The Nature of Self-Reflection
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/02/10
Written: 01/01/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I wonder if all reflection is self-reflection. One may think that they are reflecting on a particular phenomenon. One may think they are reflecting on another person's life, or on some abstract concept. But in fact, the experience is always filtered, even interpreted, by the self. In this way, reflection is also a matter of expression. It is a form of self-reflection. Reflection even on the purely external is an internal manifestation. As time passes, I'm discovering that I leave traces of my soul signature in all that I do. Thinking about others, reveals much about me.
Observations/Reflections: On Management and Learning
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/01/10
Written: 07/01/2009
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Management is often thought of as a skill. In this way it seems to be a static expertise.
But I doubt the validity of this concept. For me, management requires the ability to evolve and learn. Conditions are never identical, and the manager must continually adapt.
It is liberating for the manger to think of management as learning. This kind of manager does not have to pretend to "know". This manager does not need to hide failure. This manager must achieve performance goals, but does not need to cover up the messy process so necessary to that achievement.
Observations/Reflections: On Leadership and the Nexus between Accuracy and Direction
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/26/10
Written: 01/27/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
The effective leader will not always be concerned with accuracy in his decision making process. Many times the role of the leader is to provide a unified, consistent voice. The leadership's decision record may only have an accuracy rating of 60-80%, but the consistency of the direction itself pulls the organization together and moves it forward.
As the leader grows more cognizant of his weaknesses, he can become hesitant to provide authoritative input. This is good, but only up to a certain point. Sometimes direction is more important than accuracy.
Observations/Reflections: On Anthony Trollop and the Nexus between Quantity and Quality
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/25/10
Written: 02/17/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I find it fascinating that "Anthony Trollop" was more focused on character than plot. While I cannot agree with his approach, I think his success is due in large part to his ability to sketch out the nuance of human nature, and bring life to his characters. I think his lack of attention to plot allowed him to write at such high speed.
Trollop tried to write 215 words every fifteen minutes. He wrote 67 books. Most of the books were three volume works. That's the equivalent of 180 long books. He did all of this in the early morning while working for the British Postal Service.
There must be a way to capture the essence of his output, but to constrain the writing by categories, so as to prevent the degradation of quality. I'm seeking the nexus between quantity and quality.
Observations/Reflections: On Allowing One's Heart Struggles to Find A Place of Rest
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/24/10
Written: 01/26/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
At times, there are issues within our soul that trouble us. We work hard to try to remove these issues. It may be better, though, to seek to give these issues a place to rest within ourselves. I'm not speaking of sin; I'm speaking of a different kind of struggle, like unanswered questions. We may not have answers, and thus we may not be able to resolve the issue.
Still, we may be able to find a way to give the issue a place to rest. I think it is the inner churn that wears a man down. The external difficulties have bearing, but the internal difficulties have the most impact.
Observations/Reflections: On Observations and Poor Craftsmanship
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/23/10
Written: 01/26/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Speaking is different than writing. Thinking with a pencil is different than thinking with a recorder. Dictation, then, is valuable, but I would not want my observations to be regarded as writings {at least not in the traditional sense of the word}. I would rather craft my words on paper, but this would slow the pace.
However, observations are not about craftsmanship. They are about capturing the thought as it sprints by. The inner watchfulness of nepsis is helpful here. By recording these thoughts, I can return to them later and use them in my formal work.
Observations/Reflections: On the Importance of Intellectual Assets
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 02/22/10
Written: 07/29/2009
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I think very few companies recognize the true potential of IP for fostering a "monopoly". It has the potential to secure long term competitive advantage. It is a key to our future and it is a responsibility that I cannot advocate to a specialist. We need to consider it as a preeminent in our strategy.
Copyright © 2009 Flint McGlaughlin. All rights reserved.