Why is it that the people I see are satisfied with what they have, when clearly they can have (and thus, perform) better? Are they just plain old complacent, or is there anything more to it? Is it that people are so afraid of change, so unreliable of the self, that they go for a mediocre future rather than putting in more effort, taking a few calculated risks and reaching the level that they have the potential for? Why do individuals underperform? Why do organizations comprised of such individuals suck? Why is it that such organizations will seek people who would fit into this web of sycophancy, buck passing, irresponsiblility and lack of vision; instead of those who can lift them up from this muck?
Why are some exceptional people capable of creating a change within such organizations with able leadership, while other people with similarly exceptional capabilities settle down to their own level of mediocrity under a similar set of circumstances?
anya.. is this inspired by the Arlington Heights saga or were you just feeling this way?
Posted by: Prashant at September 13, 2004 06:26 PMby the way, your sentiments are almost the same as one Miss Dagny Taggart, operating vice president Taggart Transcontinental ;)
Posted by: Prashant at September 13, 2004 06:30 PMrecent observations, have in fact helped this post a lot, but it was simmering in the back of my mind anyways.
the 2nd comment told me which prashant you were!
Posted by: anya at September 13, 2004 06:34 PMYes people are afraid of change!! And I guess it all depends in what state the human mind is during the change.
Posted by: pseudofreud at September 14, 2004 12:06 PMDeep questions!
I see life is making you think... that's great!
Take care that you don't fall into the trap of trading achievement for security -
"the optimal state is a high-risk state — good returns at the price of possible ruin" [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JPP-1996/message/2904]
MOst people would rather spend their energy avoiding the 'ruin' though...
Posted by: Chinmay at September 14, 2004 01:31 PMSometimes, the people that seem complacent in their work are very committed and active in other aspects of their life such as family, a hobby or a social cause that they strongly believe in. Their definition of success is to do well in those aspects and not in their profession. Work, career and profession just doesn't have a high enough priority for them. It all depends on one's perspective of life.
Posted by: Parag at September 14, 2004 01:50 PM... and then again, maybe people are just satisfied? possibility no?
Posted by: toinks at September 15, 2004 07:11 AM2 very interesting views from Parag and Toinks. I agree fully with both .. that later on people can (and should) concentrate more on the other aspects of life .. which can bring more pleasure and satisfaction. However the rant that I ahd was basically towards those whom I see lower their level of competence, expectation and thus performance to adapt to their environment, to become same as everyone else around them: mediocre.
Posted by: anya at September 15, 2004 01:40 PMExtraordinary people do their own thing. Mediocre people work for them.
Posted by: Wings at September 16, 2004 02:06 AMLet's ask the reverse question. At a personal level, what inspires a person to do more than required?
Posted by: Ajju at September 17, 2004 05:59 AMA desire to get more satisfaction out of one's work, a desire to achieve more, a hunger for success, and lots more ...
BUT .. what I am talking about is not putting in more than required .. but putting in what is expected/required.. it may be in terms of work, may be in the attitude they have towards their work.. anything. I think I am gonna put in another post about this.
Posted by: anya at September 17, 2004 11:40 AMThought provoking post. Just a thought. There are people who may appear to be extremely mediocre in one aspect of their lives and yet lead a brilliant life unknown to all. Say a wannabe author takes on a mediocre job to pay for the bills while he plods on what could be the next bestseller?
Posted by: Jahnvi at September 29, 2004 02:14 AMyes .. thats what Parag has said. [in the comments above] ..and I have responded to it too. :-P
Posted by: anya at September 29, 2004 07:17 PM