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| Volume 4, Issue 1 - January, 2005 • Book Review – “Margin” by Richard A. Swenson, M.D. Exponential Change and How to Cope. – Not long ago, I was introduced to the book “Margin” and found it to be another opportunity to share something that I think might be beneficial for readers of “Taking Aim.” The following then is both a synopsis and a critique of what I found that is both supportive of what I have been experiencing both professionally and personally as well as disturbing in it’s proposed solution. While the book is not new, having been published in 1992, it goes a long way toward explaining the discomfort many of us have been feeling with the changes taking place in our world. The main premise of the book is laid out on page 235 of this 243 page book when Swenson writes, “Along with the rest of the world, the United States is in a period of profound disequilibrium.” Certainly, I agree that change causes imbalance, but how we regain balance is something Dr. Swenson and I view very differently. The book begins talking about margin. “Margin,” the author explains is, “ the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits.” Swenson suggests that progress has eliminated our margin creating stress, overload and complexity. A great case is made for the fact that throughout most of history, progress unfolded in a linear progression. Today, however, progress is exploding exponentially. The appendix includes roughly 30 graphs showing the exponential rate of change that is challenging us all on a daily basis. Our world is radically different from that of our ancestors and even our own recent past. The following partial list of items individually don't tell us much, but when combined give us a glimpse into the recent trend in change.
In another chapter, Swenson does a good job of outlining and justifying 23 different kinds of overload. All of this combines as an incredible affirmation of the discussions and writings about the need for better ways to handle change. Swenson suggests, “progress builds by using the tools of economics, education and technology.” In the process, our social, emotional and spiritual relationships have suffered creating real problems. His solution is to slow down progress and create balance in our lives. He suggests that in spite of “time–saving” devices, we have less time. This is like blaming food for obesity. As individuals, we have allowed creeping technology to build to an overload level. Slowing progress will not resolve our overload problem. Only we as individuals can reduce the overload and increase the margin in our lives. In hindsight it is easy to see the effects of overload in our lives and it will require a new personal discipline to make the margin in our lives that we need. It is time to step back and decide where our priorities lie and then reduce our commitments and in turn the overload that we are experiencing. Having a dozen years and the exposure to the likes of Willis Harmon, Dee Hock, Margaret Wheatley and others, I am inclined to think of progress as inclusive of relationships as opposed to Swenson exclusionary approach. The problem is not in stopping progress, but in energizing the Social, Emotional and Spiritual with the same exponential development that we have experienced in economics, education and technology. Previous articles like Presence and Collective Wisdom present the case that we are in fact making progress in these areas. Dr. Swenson did a great job 12 years ago of accurately diagnosing the exponential rate of change challenging us. I also agree with his prescription of creating or increasing margin. His supporting documentation was incredible, but his definition of progress and his suggestion to limit progress are where we part company. The margin in our lives is our responsibility and since his book has been published there is much progress being made on the Social, Emotional and Spiritual aspects of our lives. Exponential change is real. We are making great progress in understanding change. How we deal with it is up to us.
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Robert E. Cannon "Best Practice" Sales Force
Development Change Management Customer Service Assessment for ISO Requirements Smart Thoughts from Smart People "Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?" George Eliot
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. Harry Falk
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." Earl Nightingale
Taking Aim © 2005 Bob Cannon, The Cannon Advantage Newsletter. All Rights Reserved. The Cannon Advantage visual branding by Zarney Creative. For contact information, click “Resources.” |
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