tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2007-08-29://1 2010-03-10T18:58:27Z Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.0 tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.340 2010-03-10T18:54:11Z 2010-03-10T18:58:27Z

Observations/Reflections: On the Reality of One's Own Existence Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 03/10/10 Written: 02/15/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin At times one grasps more fully the reality of one's own existence. It is almost ironic that for this...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com Observations/Reflections: On the Reality of One's Own Existence Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 03/10/10 Written: 02/15/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin At times one grasps more fully the reality of one's own existence. It is almost ironic that for this to occur, one must disengage from the present tense of pure existence. More often than not, this disengagement occurs because of some external interruption, a disturbing conversation, the death of a loved one, or a near fatal accident. I want to be able to disengage at will, and not because of some unpredictable change in circumstance. I only want to disengage, so that I can engage more fully. For when I have pulled back, I can see. When I can see, I realize anew my transience. I'm trying to imbue the transient with the eternal. This can only happen by prioritizing the spiritual. Sitting on a plane, today, I can see the churn of those other road warriors moving to and fro. Some of them are in the prime of their strength, while others are on the waning side. I realize that, like them, I'm just a candle flickering in the wind - and my wick is growing shorter. I cannot bear to be so finite. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.339 2010-03-09T14:26:08Z 2010-03-09T17:52:37Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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). tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.338 2010-03-08T18:58:20Z 2010-03-08T19:04:08Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.337 2010-03-03T13:24:48Z 2010-03-03T13:31:08Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.336 2010-03-02T15:33:15Z 2010-03-02T23:56:04Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.335 2010-03-01T20:14:37Z 2010-03-01T20:37:31Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.334 2010-02-26T13:36:21Z 2010-03-01T21:37:57Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.333 2010-02-25T15:40:15Z 2010-03-01T21:39:49Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.332 2010-02-24T14:38:30Z 2010-03-01T21:41:09Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.331 2010-02-23T14:18:50Z 2010-02-23T14:25:41Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com nepsis is helpful here. By recording these thoughts, I can return to them later and use them in my formal work. ]]> tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.330 2010-02-22T17:04:56Z 2010-02-22T17:08:59Z

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...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com 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. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.329 2010-02-19T13:20:49Z 2010-02-19T13:24:24Z

Observations/Reflections: On Preventing One's Tools from Defining One's Work Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/19/10 Written: 01/26/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I am desperate for a purity that denies reductionism, but rescues me from religion. I am not sure...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com Observations/Reflections: On Preventing One's Tools from Defining One's Work Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/19/10 Written: 01/26/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I am desperate for a purity that denies reductionism, but rescues me from religion. I am not sure I can attain it with my current set of thinking tools. I fear such tools move from the external to the internal, assimilating into the warrant structure of my core processes. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.328 2010-02-18T20:14:16Z 2010-02-18T20:16:54Z

Observations/Reflections: On Hoping for Hope Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/18/10 Written: 01/26/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I've written elsewhere on the human condition as it relates to uncertainty. We are incipient, and thus we can never know for...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com Observations/Reflections: On Hoping for Hope Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/18/10 Written: 01/26/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I've written elsewhere on the human condition as it relates to uncertainty. We are incipient, and thus we can never know for sure. How does one survive in the face of such uncertainty? Hope. Hope is the only hope. I think we underestimate the power of hope. I think the most tragic word in the English language is this: hopelessness. A man or a woman can endure indescribable horror for the sake of a tiny shred of hope. But if hope is abandoned, destruction is wrought from the inside out. tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.326 2010-02-16T20:29:53Z 2010-02-18T13:25:16Z

Observations/Reflections: On Listening to One's Own Thoughts Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/16/10 Written: 01/18/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin It may be useful to develop the discipline of carefully observing, moment by moment, my thought process. The dessert fathers...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com Nepsis. This was a kind of inner watchfulness. I have found that one of the most effective ways to determine motive, is to listen to one's thoughts, then to listen to what one is thinking about one's thoughts, and then to listen to what one is thinking about what one is thinking about what one is thinking about one's thoughts... Once a person is so attuned, they can strive (with more clarity) for ultimate inner simplicity - a single mind, that is thinking with a single voice. As Kierkegaard said, "Purity of heart is to will one thing". ]]> tag:www.flintmcglaughlin.com,2010://1.325 2010-02-16T20:20:09Z 2010-02-16T20:24:36Z

Observations/Reflections: On John Bunyan's Sensitivity to Sin Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/16/10 Written: 01/12/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I think it's fascinating that Bunyan in his spiritual autobiography details the perceived depravity of his childhood, but also inadvertently...

Flint McGlaughlin http://www.calabello.com Observations/Reflections: On John Bunyan's Sensitivity to Sin Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed Published: 02/16/10 Written: 01/12/2010 Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin I think it's fascinating that Bunyan in his spiritual autobiography details the perceived depravity of his childhood, but also inadvertently points out the difference between himself and his peers. Even as a child he was highly sensitized to sin. He was so troubled by the possibilities of hell, that at times he had a peculiar wish. He wished he'd been born a "devil" rather than human. In Bunyan's young mind, he thought of the "devils" as tormenters in hell, and of humans as the tormented.