 
"A good deal of corporate planning," says James Brian Quinn of Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business, "is like a ritual rain dance. It has no effect on the weather that follows, but those who engage in it think it does.... Moreover, much of the advice related [to it] is directed at improving the dancing, not the weather."A similar observation could be made about the application of modern information technology (IT) in some corporations. Too often, the advances in technology don't stimulate organizational flexibility and productivity, but actually suppress it. New isn't always better, and more/faster isn't always an advantage. Too many managers try to throw technology at their problems, and end up simply using today's fancier peripherals, elaborate software, and jazzier information channels to mindlessly churn through more of the same old processes, more quickly. And the IT planning too often focuses on upgrading the equipment, not simplifying the processes. But information technology isn't about increased bandwidth or more efficient transfer protocols. And it isn't about faster/smaller/more powerful gadgets for processing data. It's about empowering people, facilitating/rejuvenating processes, and embracing innovation. The next time you face an IT-related problem, transform it into an opportunity. Don't mindlessly try to change the weather by performing a technological rain dance. And above all, don't focus on improving the dance (technology) to the exclusion of dealing with the weather (the underlying business processes). Maybe the weather can't be changed. Perhaps instead of planning an elaborate rain dance, you should invest your efforts in digging an irrigation canal. Or, instead of invoking elaborate protocols to stop the snow, you could simply buy an overcoat. In business, as in nature, the long-term survivors will not be those who try to control the weather, but those who adapt to it. 'Tis the season to be jolly. And if you think that being jolly and being productive at work don't mix, think again. Laughter and good humor are important tools for achievement. Reality isn't always motivating; in fact, it can be downright demotivating at times. We all need to relax now and then to maintain the energy for attacking our goals, particularly in the modern business environment where daily stress and intense competition are commonplace. The most productive workers in every office are nearly lways those who have positive attitude. A cheerful disposition produces a winning spirit, and a winning spirit engenders success. The effect can be contagious.
Ludwig Wittgenstein was on the mark when he said, "If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done." So take this time leading up to the holidays to try something appropriately outrageous (that's where innovation is born). Laugh with your coworkers occasionally, and have fun on the job (even if your boss is a modern-day Scrooge; maybe your "spirit" will be the spark that hastens his redemption).
 WM. Auckerman Back to the table of contents 
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