Just Blogging

“There is only one problem with common sense, it is not very common.”

- Bryce’s Law

INTRODUCTION

Probably the main reason why Scott Adams’ “Dilbert”

comic strip enjoys the popularity it does is because it is a clever parody of

the corporate world. It now appears in 2,000 papers in 65 countries. As readers,

we can relate to the corporate situations the characters are put in and the

inevitable results. What is considered logical and practical is often sacrificed

to suit petty personality traits. The underlying theme in the strip is that common

sense is not common in the corporate world.

I have assembled a list of items as found in business and compare

and contrast how they should be applied in practice (common sense) versus

how they are applied in reality. This provides some interesting insight

into the philosophy of our corporate culture. Who knows, this might be

nothing more than fodder for Scott Adams.

APPEARANCE

Common Sense: Impressions make a difference. How we dress and act

send messages to the people we meet and work with. But we must be wary

of facade; an actor rarely assumes the characteristics of the people they portray. The

same is true in business; looks will carry you for a while but you have to be able

to produce results in order to achieve the confidence and respect you desire.

Reality: Appearances and conduct are no longer considered important. A lot

of managers are grateful simply because employees show up for work on time.

BEHAVIOR

Common Sense: Our perceptions, right or wrong, dictate our actions. Whether

we perceive a situation correctly or not is irrelevant; we will act according to

how we see a situation. Knowing this, we should make every effort to correctly

interpret a situation so we make the right decision and take the appropriate

action.

Reality: We see only what we want to see. Little effort is made to clarify a

situation.

BRAIN POWER

Common Sense: The brain should be fully engaged in order to strive to achieve.

Reality: Companies establish working environments that do not stimulate

thought. They prefer to have human robots as opposed to people who will take

a little initiative.

BUSINESS

Common Sense: The only good business relationship is where both parties benefit.

The intent should be to create “win-win” situations where both parties prosper, not

just one. This promotes cooperation and trust.

Reality: Its a dog-eat-dog world out there. Most companies have little regard for

vendors and customers, let alone partners. “Win-loss” situations are still the norm

today.