Monday, December 17, 2007

Tyranny of the OR....

It was a great learning week for me, traveling too and from ACRES gave me quite a few hours to study. One of my main take- homes this past week is a contrast of philosophies.

First, from the book The Toyota Way, as they were working on designing the first Lexus vehicle, they stated the vehicle needed to…

1- Have great high speed handling YET A pleasant ride
2- Fast and smooth ride YET Low fuel consumption
3- Super Quiet YET Light weight
4- Elegant styling YET Great aerodynamics
5- Warm YET Functional interior
6- Great stability at high speed YET Low friction

Toyota was not willing to accept the word OR- they demanded a third alternative.

It seems demanding a third alternative is one of the keys of true innovation. This it a huge difference that I see between Toyota and much of the organic movement. There is much I learn and appreciate from the ACRES conference, but I do not agree with their methods of change.

Common thoughts in the ACRES/ organic movement

1- being independent OR cooperating with regulation
2- Healthy food OR the food we can get at Wal-Mart

There are many other ways where it seems this group is not looking for a third alternative. They want to confront and downgrade regulators rather than working with and educating them.

In order for us to have access to great food on a large scale in our society, people in power are going to need to be educated and accept change. I am not naïve enough to think this is a simple task, but attempting it seems more productive than fighting them.

The backwards way that the organic movement approaches change may increase the amount of time it takes to get real food in the hands of the masses.

I am grateful for a great reminder for the need to look for third alternatives.