Captain's Log - Chapter 50
Weather - HOT
Mood - Detached
Now Reading
1. The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan
1. LOTR (The Return of the King) - J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Getting Rid of Gout
3. The Intelligent Investor - Benjamin Graham
Today is Saturday and I am leaving the office now. YIPPEE!!!
Captain's Log - Chapter 49
Weather - HOT
Mood - Detached
The Abilene's Paradox
This was something I came across while attending a management course. Interesting concept on how management come to make bad decisions. Happens all the time among friends, family and organisations.
The Abilene Paradox (Jerry Harvey)
The July afternoon in Coleman, Texas was particularly hot - 104 degrees. There was a fan going on the back porch; there was cold lemonade; and finally there was entertainment. Dominoes. Perfect for the conditions. The game required little more exertion than an occasional mumbled comment……''shuffle 'em''….It had the makings of an agreeable Sunday afternoon when suddenly my father in law said ''Let's get in the car and go to Abilene and have dinner in the cafeteria''.
I thought, "What go to Abilene? Fifty three miles? In this prickly heat? And in an un-air-conditioned 1958 Buick?"
But my wife chimed in with ''Sounds like a great idea. I'd like to go. How about you, Jerry?'' Since my own preferences were obviously out of step with the rest I replied, ''Sounds good to me," and added, ''I just hope your mother wants to go.''
''Of course I want to go,'' said my mother in law, ''I haven't been to Abilene in a long time.''
So into the car and off to Abilene we went. My predictions were fulfilled. The heat was brutal. We were coated in a fine layer of dust that was cemented with perspiration by the time we got there. The food at the cafeteria provided first rate testimonial material for antacid commercials.
Some four hours later we returned, hot and exhausted. We sat in front of the fan for a long time in silence. Then, to be sociable and to break the silence, I said ''It was a great trip wasn't it?''
No one spoke. Finally my mother-in-law said, with some irritation, ''Well to tell you the truth, I didn't really enjoy it much and would rather have stayed here. I just went along because with the three of you were so enthusiastic about going. I wouldn't have gone if you all hadn't pressured into it''.
I couldn't believe it. "What do you mean 'you all'?" I said. Don't put me in the you all group. I didn't want to go. I only went to satisfy the rest of you.''
My wife looked shocked. "Don't blame me, .You and Daddy and Mama were the ones who wanted to go….. I just went along to be sociable."
Adapted from Jerry B Harvey's article in Organizational Dynamics, Summer 1974
Captain's Log - Chapter 48
Weather - Cool
Mood - HAPPY!!!
Still Reading
1. LOTR (the King is still returning)
2. Getting Rid of Gout
3. The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)
The year before the big THREE ZERO!!!
Celebrated my 29th birthday today. To tell the truth, I no longer have the buzz I used to get when a birthday approaches. Guess this have to do with age. This is the final year of my swinging 20s. Staring at me next year is the beginning of 30s.
Many say that men hit their peak at their 30s. Well, I can't say that now. I already feel like an old man now. Can't imagine how I would feel when I advance through the 30s. No longer can I maintain a steady breaths when walking up slopes or stairs. Eight hours of rest is a must while 6-7 would suffice a few years back.
I am already talking like an old man. I do look forward to the next phase of life when I hit 30. That is likely to be my age when I start my very own family with my loved one. 30s will be a phase of bonding between me and my future wife. A time where we grow together. Thus, barring the ageing body, I think 30s will indeed be an exciting and fun phase in my life. :)
Birthday Wishes:
a) World peace
b) A cure or gout
c) To have a wonderful life ahead with my honey
I am kinda greedy but it's my birthday and I would really like to have these 3 wishes. :)
