Harnessing Incompleteness: Balancing Power and Challenges
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Chapter 1: The Dynamics of Incompleteness
In the tech company where I was employed, our product manager was perpetually busy, brimming with innovative ideas. However, his enthusiasm frequently met the skepticism of our VP. Despite groundbreaking efforts to develop novel features, the team's ongoing struggle for support from upper management led to significant frustration and demotivation. A slight shift in perspective could transform everything.
First, let's delve into why this issue arose.
Section 1.1: Understanding the Zeigarnik Effect
Innovation and complexity often pull in opposing directions, and this tension is not a new phenomenon. Product development exemplifies this psychological principle known as the Zeigarnik Effect. Named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, who observed it in the 1920s, this effect indicates that unfinished tasks tend to be more memorable than completed ones. Psychologist Kurt Lewin noted in the 1930s that restaurant servers had remarkable recall of unpaid orders but struggled to remember details once the orders were settled. They concentrated solely on open orders, which was crucial in their fast-paced environment. However, when individuals juggle too many unfinished tasks—like an endless to-do list or persistent notifications—their minds can become overwhelmed.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Upside of Incompleteness
Many influential figures throughout history have harnessed the power of intentional incompleteness.
For instance, Leonardo da Vinci left several works unfinished, including the iconic Mona Lisa. This technique, often referred to as "non-finito," kept his patrons intrigued, always curious about how the final masterpiece would appear. Similarly, Ernest Hemingway employed a tactic where he concluded his writing sessions knowing what came next, allowing him to maintain creative momentum and ensure a productive start the following day.
Section 1.2: Engaging Through Storytelling
Writers craft stories using headlines and plots to pique curiosity among readers, prompting them to seek closure in the narrative. Cliffhangers in television shows exemplify this, keeping audiences eager for the next episode. Advertisers also use unfinished slogans or taglines that demand completion in the minds of consumers. For instance, Nike's "Find Your Greatness" campaign encouraged everyday individuals to discover their potential while leaving specific interpretations open-ended, allowing viewers to project their aspirations.
Chapter 2: The Risks of Incompleteness
However, this approach carries significant risks. Unresolved issues can weigh heavily on our mental health, as our brains must constantly track these incomplete tasks. While this tension may momentarily prevent us from fixating on a single unresolved matter, it can ultimately lead to stress and deteriorating mental well-being.
A prime example of the dangers of incompleteness in business is the story of Xerox. By the 1970s, Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) was at the forefront of innovation, responsible for groundbreaking discoveries such as the graphical user interface (GUI) and Ethernet networking. Yet, despite the array of exciting opportunities, they struggled to transform these technologies into marketable products due to analysis paralysis. This indecision opened the door for competitors, like Apple and Microsoft, to leverage Xerox's innovations for their success.
The first video titled "From Chaos to Order: Terrence Deacon on Homeo, Morpho, & Teleodynamics" explores the intricate relationship between chaos and order in the context of creativity and innovation.
In the second video, "John Boyd & OODA Loop: Destruction & Creation: A Method of Thinking," the discussion centers on strategic thinking and the importance of adapting in a world filled with uncertainties.
Section 2.1: Practicing Purposefulness
To navigate the power of incompleteness while avoiding its drawbacks, I advocate for practicing purposefulness—engaging in actions with intention rather than merely out of habit. Reflecting on my experience with the product development team, I realized the importance of categorizing our innovations into 'families' that directly correlated with customer needs. This strategy shifted our approach from a chaotic assortment of ideas to a focused solution-oriented presentation.
The subsequent meeting revealed a noticeable change in our VP's demeanor, transitioning from skepticism to genuine interest. By aligning our developments with specific market needs, we improved our products and accelerated approval processes. This experience underscored the significance of working with purpose; the ultimate goal of our efforts was to meet customer requirements through innovative products and technologies.
Key Lesson: The Importance of Clarity
When we lose sight of our purpose, we become overwhelmed by open loops. Hemingway was aware of his intent when writing incomplete pieces, which served him well. Conversely, Xerox lost sight of its mission—to innovate for product creation rather than for the sake of innovation itself. In contrast, both Apple and Microsoft maintained clear visions focused on rapid product development through innovation.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Open Loops
In today's world, it's unrealistic to expect every aspect of our lives or work to be neatly completed. Some open loops propel us forward, fostering creativity and engagement, while others can hinder progress, creating anxiety and obstructing decision-making.
What has been your experience with open loops in your life or work? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.