Comments on: Captain Kirk and the Unintended Consequence of Compassion (Part II) http://bearonbusiness.com/captain-kirk-and-the-unintended-consequence-of-compassion-part-ii So much has happened in telecom over the last decade, both good and bad. With BearonBusiness.com, I strive to dissect what’s happened before as well as what’s going on in the here and now. I try to capture stories from the boom, the bust, and, now, the resurgence. We are fortunate to work in a great industry (communications) at a great time (the dawn of the Internet)–let’s reminisce, reflect, and celebrate. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:09:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Rico http://bearonbusiness.com/captain-kirk-and-the-unintended-consequence-of-compassion-part-ii/comment-page-1#comment-2271 Rico Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:29:18 +0000 http://bearonbusiness.com/?p=923#comment-2271 While “unintended” doesn’t always equal “undesirable”, one must be careful not to rationalize the results to the point of perpetuating a problem, or maybe make it even worse. In business as in life, there is a natural order, progression, and structure. Which when messed with, will invariable have “consequences”, good and bad ones. Take as an example what science has done to extend our lifespan. It is great that we get to be around much longer that would have been possible just a couple of generations ago, arguably with a much higher quality of life. Now, take into account the consequences, direct and indirect ones. Longer lifespan means more people to feed, aging population (on average), higher energy consumption, and on, and on... Apply this to the business environment, artificially extending the life of a failed business not only leads to resource consuming inefficiencies, but incentivizes and perpetuates failed practices which in turn hinders evolution. Evolution that while painful to some of us (I know, my number came up and I am unemployed now), is necessary nevertheless. Let us fight the good war, learn from it, minimize collateral damage, and if comes to it, die with honor. While “unintended” doesn’t always equal “undesirable”, one must be careful not to rationalize the results to the point of perpetuating a problem, or maybe make it even worse. In business as in life, there is a natural order, progression, and structure. Which when messed with, will invariable have “consequences”, good and bad ones.

Take as an example what science has done to extend our lifespan. It is great that we get to be around much longer that would have been possible just a couple of generations ago, arguably with a much higher quality of life. Now, take into account the consequences, direct and indirect ones. Longer lifespan means more people to feed, aging population (on average), higher energy consumption, and on, and on…

Apply this to the business environment, artificially extending the life of a failed business not only leads to resource consuming inefficiencies, but incentivizes and perpetuates failed practices which in turn hinders evolution. Evolution that while painful to some of us (I know, my number came up and I am unemployed now), is necessary nevertheless.

Let us fight the good war, learn from it, minimize collateral damage, and if comes to it, die with honor.

]]> By: MH http://bearonbusiness.com/captain-kirk-and-the-unintended-consequence-of-compassion-part-ii/comment-page-1#comment-2270 MH Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:17:27 +0000 http://bearonbusiness.com/?p=923#comment-2270 I think you're making the comparison to our current econimic "war". The government is trying to simulate a healthy economy which will cause this to drag out longer than necessary. If they step back, let us feel the destruction of the mistakes, then recovery can begin and lessons can be learned. I think you’re making the comparison to our current econimic “war”. The government is trying to simulate a healthy economy which will cause this to drag out longer than necessary. If they step back, let us feel the destruction of the mistakes, then recovery can begin and lessons can be learned.

]]> By: Bill http://bearonbusiness.com/captain-kirk-and-the-unintended-consequence-of-compassion-part-ii/comment-page-1#comment-2269 Bill Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:09:07 +0000 http://bearonbusiness.com/?p=923#comment-2269 Sounds to me like Captain Kirk would have the US automakers and all other 'too big to fail' companies die their violent deaths, and have society learn, grow and rebuild from the events, rather than 'humanely' allow them to limp along, draining our society for 500 years. Sounds to me like Captain Kirk would have the US automakers and all other ‘too big to fail’ companies die their violent deaths, and have society learn, grow and rebuild from the events, rather than ‘humanely’ allow them to limp along, draining our society for 500 years.

]]> By: Steve http://bearonbusiness.com/captain-kirk-and-the-unintended-consequence-of-compassion-part-ii/comment-page-1#comment-2268 Steve Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:50:23 +0000 http://bearonbusiness.com/?p=923#comment-2268 I am not a true Trekie but I am a Star Trek fan so I liked the post. I find it interesting to see how much of the advanced futuristic technology depicted in the show has come to be common place today. I remember thinking how cool it would be to be flip open a communicator and instantly be able to talk to anyone around the world. I also think about the famous tri-quarter when I am surfing the web on my Blackberry for the answer to a question. I can see how people can become dependent on technology over time as it advances, for example think how you would feel if you didn't have your Blackberry or Iphone, a little lost. Computers are a great tool but I think the show is pointing out that we need to be careful not to become too dependent on technology and use our human brains. Anyways live long and prosper. I am not a true Trekie but I am a Star Trek fan so I liked the post. I find it interesting to see how much of the advanced futuristic technology depicted in the show has come to be common place today. I remember thinking how cool it would be to be flip open a communicator and instantly be able to talk to anyone around the world. I also think about the famous tri-quarter when I am surfing the web on my Blackberry for the answer to a question. I can see how people can become dependent on technology over time as it advances, for example think how you would feel if you didn’t have your Blackberry or Iphone, a little lost. Computers are a great tool but I think the show is pointing out that we need to be careful not to become too dependent on technology and use our human brains. Anyways live long and prosper.

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