The Curse Of MINIMALISM

THE CURSE OF MINIMALISM

When I look back on my long career in various parts of India and in organisations of diverse cultures many things come to mind. But one observation always saddens me. There were many with me when I started my career. Some were more qualified. Some were smarter. In the course of the years some went up the ladder very steadily but many did not seem to make much progress and ultimately retired in practically the same post or maybe a couple of rungs higher.

Aside from my own colleagues I have noticed the same phenomenon in all the organisations I worked with. I am sure many of my readers may have noticed the same. Maybe some are facing the same situation. What is the problem? Of course many problems may have multiple reasons, some genuine. But from by observation and experience I have noticed that most of the persons who end up as non-achievers suffer from the curse of MINIMALISM.

Minimalism is not a bad word. On the contrary it is the new approach in Art and Design. Designs which fully focus on the functional aspect at the same time are aesthetically pleasing are regarded very highly. But this aspect cannot be extended to work except in few exceptional cases.

When we are in a career we are expected to carry out certain functions not only to meet the expectations of our employer but also TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY.

Here the curse of minimalism comes on many, especially the smart ones. Minimalism at work means doing just enough to retain your job. Most employees know what this means. First do what you know what boss likes. Secondly come and go on time, don’t remain absent without information and follow all the rules to the letter. I have worked with a production supervisor who used to stand well away from the working area. If there was a need for maintenance he promptly used to inform maintenance then again stand at a distance. He never got involved and never felt the need to expedite anything. He was what he himself called, “Looking After” his section. What he was doing was Minimalism. Predictably he was never removed as he never broke any rule but not so surprisingly he retired in the same position he held for almost 35 years.

Many times I have been told, “My boss does not like me, and therefore he never appreciates my work”. Sometimes I am told, “The work environment here does not allow for any creativity, therefore I am forced to just follow orders”. Many times I was told, “No one told me what I am really expected to do”

All these are just excuses of losers. The Boss or the Factory or Office has no obligation to make your life comfortable. The way the market runs is only the best and cheapest survive. If your organisation has to survive, grow and in the process pay you better and better then each one of the organisation has to give 150%. Giving 100% is just doing your job. Unless each one gives+ 50% in terms of output, productivity, innovation, cost saving and quality enhancement the Organisation will sink. And those who sink first are the ones who have the curse of MINIMALISM.

To end here is a quote from Alice- In- Wonderland: I find that I have to run faster and faster to stay in the same place.

Today’s market scenario is just the same. If you don’t run faster and faster you will always be looking for another job.