process oriented vs just-get-it-done


There are a lot of cases where balanced and middle view is better, but adopting middle path on everything might lead to average or mediocre outcomes. One such problem is whether to be methodical, process oriented and cautious OR attitude of “get it done”, use whichever way suits the best for achieving the goal and taking risks. I think it is eventually basic nature of people.

I also think either approach works differently for different kind of problems. Doing something new, discovering a solution where none exists, pursuits that calls more creativity – those may call for second approach. Changing a complex system, coordinating efforts of a large group of people to achieve a single goal, size of the problem being big – these may need the process oriented / methodical mindset.

Knowing what kind of person I am on this spectrum of rigidly methodical to flying by the seat of the pants would be a good start. Assessing what kind of mindset is needed to solve the problem in front of us would be second. If we are able to change ourselves to suit the method needed to solve the problem/project, that might be perfect.

Even if we start with System 2 for some projects (greenfield projects), it may need to switch to System 1 once it scales and complexity increases. Similarly even if we start with System 1 for complex mammoth projects, micro problems within that might need inventiveness and System 1 approaches. So shifting between both (not mixing both for problem statement, but changing approach from problem to problem) might be needed.

Questions to ponder upon: Is it possible to change like this from project to project? Is it just better to have different kind of people handle different kind of projects – whichever is best suited for them?

weekly notes, wk 12 / 2024

  1.  Watched a series, The Old Man (Disney+), primarily since I wanted to escape and take my mind off things. It had some promise - of an o...