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Springs and Dashpots. Over and over again in my formal engineering education I recall modeling mechanical systems with springs and dashpots. As much as anything, I was amused by the basic simplicity, yet as my education progressed, the systems became more complicated, too. Also, there were the analogous systems for fluids, electronics and materials.
My masters thesis was a study of non-linear viscoelastic materials and one of the greatest classroom debates I recall was whether stained-glass window panes in medieval cathedrals exhibited viscoelastic behavior (hence, their greater thickness on the bottom edge) or not. Further, in my early work (assembling filter elements, casting microporous membranes and more) and even as I visited such places as Disney World (think, Star Tours, Space Mountain) I would note the features of the electromechanical systems. (My college friends and I laughed about our atypical discussions during our Senior year Spring Break; my kids still chide me about my commentary!)
As I became more involved in organizational management, I realized that people act like springs and dashpots, too. To be trite about it, there are times when we spring into action and other times when we are slow as molasses. And, yes, there are good reasons for that..and some not so good reasons, too. But, it is very often the case that the difference between success and failure is that ability to act more quickly and efficiently than a competing system..or competitive organization. And, to me, it is magic when multiple systems work together to bring about a common good.
Last night I heard a radio show where Bob Edwards interviewed Tift Merritt. I rarely hear the nighttime show and was dealing with snowfall through the Berkshire Hills so I was listening as much for comfort and not necessarily paying attention to the discussion. I had never heard of Tift Merritt, either; but I was soon captivated by the discussion.
This morning, I heard the interview again and upon arriving at work I searched for information on this musician, found that she will be performing nearby on Saturday night, emailed my wife to check our schedule, purchased tickets to the show online and made a dinner reservation to a restaurant a friend recommended. Not having been to the restaurant or theater before, I used the internet to map our travel plans and to get a satellite and street view of our plans. That whole effort took about 20 minutes, maybe less, from initial search of someone for whom I had no knowledge to purchasing a ticket for her performance. In the competitive world of music, I would say that Tift Merritt's troop wins in a landslide! (And, I hope we enjoy the show.....)
I am certain that we all have such stories of turning a new idea into action and results. My example here may not change the world but it is an example of how people I will never know and who will likely never know each other have worked together to bring us all closer. So, when I think of how slow we can be at times to respond to more serious matters (managing a health crisis, financial catastrophe or similar), I try to remember experiences where people have sprung to action, where organizational systems worked, where we have purposefully chosen to hold hands with others we may never know and we do make a difference.
And, I know it will be but a matter of time and teamwork before more good happens, too.
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