Intro -- Bob Faw LO372

Lisa J. Scheinkopf (73314.3477@compuserve.com)
09 Mar 95 11:19:36 EST

Bob Faw writes in LO364 -

>My work is multilevel. I work with training people to become
growing/learning-individuals, groups to be continually improving and
organizations to become organically learning. I'm new to the field at the
organizational level and am very interested. I read Eliyahu Goldratt's
"The Goal" twice. I'm interested in other literature and processes that
can be suggested.<

Bob -
If THE GOAL piqued your interest, I would strongly suggest that you read
his newly published, "IT'S NOT LUCK". It gets into the systems thinking
models that were used by the character "Jonah" in THE GOAL. These models
are called,
The Current Reality Tree, which utilizes effect-cause-effect to find a
common cause for several undesirable effects;
The Evaporating Cloud, which is a powerful paradigm shifting tool that
utilizes the identification of perceived necessary conditions and
breakthrough thinking;
The Future Reality Tree, which uses effect-cause-effect to paint a
picture of the future desired state. Using both intuition and logic, the
user(s) determines what they want, why they want it, and the key elements
that must be "injected" into reality in order to get there.
The Prerequisite Tree and Transition Tree, which aid in the
identification of obstacles to reaching objectives, and planning to get
there.

I have found these structures to be quite useful in both understanding (my
-- and my clients -- perception of) what's happening around me (and them),
simulating future events in order to eliminate, as best as current
intuition allows, potential negative side effects of any solution, and,
learning from our actions on an ongoing basis. I have found by using
these tools that the rate of learning can accellerate quite rapidly as
well.

In IT'S NOT LUCK, Goldratt doesn't necessarily teach the reader how to use
each of the models, but it is a sufficient introduction for one to
determine whether or not he wants to learn them. You will also get to
find out what happens to Alex Rogo and gang.

Another book of his that I'd recommend is THE HAYSTACK SYNDROME,
particularly the first two sections. He makes a strong case for disposal
of the assumptions that underly our attachment to cost accounting and all
of its derivatives, as well as the policies and behaviors that result in
almost all organizations. It is his claim that these assumptions are THE
underlying cause for many of the destructive loops that we find in
organizations.

Having worked directly with Goldratt for several years, I'll be happy to
supply further info if you'd like.

Lisa Scheinkopf
InSync Solutions
Tempe, AZ
(602) 940-1133
fax - (602) 940-1155
CompuServe: 73314,3477
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Host's Note: Sorry, I didn't notice in time that there were two msgs
recommending the same book; I would have combined them.
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