Work, What is it?

[James Robert Crow <jr1crow@mindspring.com>]

>Hello Group:
>
>I have consulted my dictionary and while I did not find Paul's defination
that does not mean that work is not defined as such in another dictionary.
I once again refer to Jimmy Hare's defination and that was: "Work was made
for a mule and he turned his back on it."  If any of you have ever plowed a
mule you will understand that statement.  For the mule to be "hitched up"
properly he does indeed have his back to whatever it is you want moved
whether it be a wagon or to pull a plough.
>
>My New Little Oxford Dictionary defines work as: Application of effort to
a purpose, use of energy, task to be undertaken, materials to be used in
task, thing done or made by work, result of action; employment esp. as
means of earning money; literary or musical composition.
>
>The defination goes on.  It is one of the more extensive in the dictionary.
>
>McGreggor was refering to work as a state of mind in his theory X vs.
theory Y.  Most of us grew up with a negative view of work.  Work was
something you had to do.  For many this view carries throughout life.
Mcgreggor argued for the view that work was a natural part of life like
play and that mankind could enjoy work and in fact get fulfillment out of
work juat as in other activities.  If you have read "Working" by Studs
Turckel (I am not sure about the spelling of his name) you can see that for
many of the people in his book that work was a source of joy and
satisfaction in a job well done.
>
>McGreggor argued that management should change its view of work to that of
Theory Y and that this would produce a much more productive workplace.
Creativity is an important part of the human makeup, but in most work
environments it gets little if any consideration.  Management is paid to
think, you are paid to do as you are told.
>
>I belive an understanding of a SOPK is one of the key's to a more creative
working environment.  Specifically an understanding of variation.  A lot of
energy is used up each day by management trying to fix things that are not
broken.  This also creates a constant state of crisis.  In a state of
crisis people do not tend to come forward with new ideas.  It is risky.
Better to keep you head down so it doesn't get chopped off.
Robert Crow
Principal
Crow Consulting
165 River North Circle NW
Atlanta, GA 30328 USA
Voice 770-396-2280
FAX 770-396-7010
jr1crow@mindspring.com
www.crowgroup.net