People and Business

How it will help people and business

We do different things each day, and at times do different things simultaneously. We shift up and down the levels of the model all the time – it is a fluid relationship and description of what we do, how we do it, and whether it is appropriate at the time. For example, whenever we do anything – answer the telephone or check emails at work, and actually “do” our work (our “stuff”) we are in the “novice” level. We prefer to use informal, flexible systems that we can adopt and adapt at will, depending on circumstances. In this situation, we don't necessarily consider the bigger picture, or the impact of our actions on the broader community. But there can be consequences.

When we consider our role in the larger scheme of things, we are probably preforming (operating) as an “experienced” person. Everyone has experience and even expertise in the things that they do frequently (think of children learning to spell by repetition – “practice makes perfect”). We consider the impact of our actions to others around us, and need more formal, structured systems to support our actions.

When we operate as an “expert”, we are aware of the bigger picture, and have knowledge about our responsibilities to ourselves, each other and to the broader community (or even international ramifications of our actions.) We accept that there is a reason for laws and that these enforced systems assist peaceful coexistence with others (even from the point of view of the relationship between the wider community or society towards the international arena). We need enforced systems to provide structure around how we behave and to ensure that the right approach is taken to serve the greater good, even if we don't really agree with it. There have been countless battles (metaphorical and real) throughout history that have resulted from a diplomat misunderstanding the protocols and practices in a particular situation or culture, or not knowing how to match new systems with the existing systems. By understanding and respecting these formal systems, complex political discussion and negotiation can occur in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This is not to say that all conflicts would be avoided, but that there would be a greater awareness and respect for all people and cultures involved.

I hope that this model will help individuals, businesses and societies understand how best to present information, and how to understand what might work well, and to understand what it is that they are doing and what they might need to do. For example, small business owners must operate as a “novice” a lot of the time or they will not complete their work. But, they must step up to the role of experienced (using imposed systems) when that is appropriate and perform as an expert when completing work that has an enforced legal requirement (like taxation) or when employing staff. If they do not work at this level they will not be able to move their business forwards, but will stay in place as the “do-er” – and will micro-manage everything.

Not all managers will want to use or understand this model, but it can help explain what position (or level) managers need to be in to make the correct decisions (are they managing up or down, and do they need to think of things in a more complex or simpler manner?) I believe that by clearly defining these roles people can be guided to achieve more, increase their profitability and performance (of their organizations) more easily without feeling inadequate – they are just reading the complexities of the situation differently.