Saturday, August 15, 2020

Letters From Hilton, NY #7 - How interdependent systems work.

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How interdependent systems work

It’s been quite a month in Hilton, NY where Harry Hollywood is trying to enhance his attunement with the interdependent web of all existence of which, he is acutely aware, he is only a tiniest, minute, inconsequential speck.

Harry was waiting in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles when he ran into Elmer Sandbagger who asked him how things were going. Harry  told Elmer of his desire to understand the systems of which is only a mere participant. Elmer looked at Harry as if Harry were speaking Martian and said, “What in hell are you talking about?”

Harry said, “I’m trying to figure out where I fit in with it all.”

“Holy moly,” said Elmer, “can’t we just talk about the weather or how fouled up things are here at the DMV where we have to wait so long in line to get any service?”

“Okay,” said Harry. “What do you think is going on at the DMV that makes their service so slow?”

“It’s the government for ya,” said Elmer. “This is what socialism looks and feels and acts like.”

Jennifer Golddigger was waiting, too, and piped up, “That’s right, there’s no money in it for them. They have no competition and no incentive. It’s not like you can take your business somewhere else.”

Ted Marketer walked up and said, “Fancy meeting you all here. What’s with the line? I thought the county clerk said he was going to improve things and create the new and improved DMV?”

Elmer said, “They make all kinds of promises to get your vote and then forget what they said.”

Roy Christain had overheard the conversation from a few spaces back, and called up, “They’re doing the best they can. Patience is a virtue.”

Harry said, “I think putting yourself in other people’s shoes and trying to understand what the factors are that contribute to situational performance leads to more constructive ideas and suggestions about how things can be improved.”

Jacob had walked back from the counter having gotten his registration renewed and said, “They’re doing a good job. The clerk helped me straighten out the problem and I just got my registration renewed. They’re really nice people here even if you have to wait.”

Barb Golden walked over having seen the crew and said, “It’s all about teamwork and everyone knowing their role and doing their part. It’s amazing how this whole system works to keep us all safe.”

Roy said, “It can’t be easy designing and implementing such a huge system to orchestrate our transportation system on our roadways.”

“It’s a blessing when you think about it,” said Harry. “It’s all about understanding and doing unto others as they would have you do unto them. It’s about compassion, equity, and good outcomes that benefit everyone.”

Jacob said, “I agree. It’s a good example of the platinum rule not the golden rule mind you. The platinum rule is do unto others as they would have you do unto them. Waiting awhile to obtain effective, accurate service is worth the wait and everyone benefits.”

And that’s how things have been this month in Hilton, NY where Harry is looking at the big picture, Elmer hates governmental bureaucracy, Jennifer thinks the service would be better if people could make some money, Ted is interested in campaign promises kept and unkept, Roy thinks people are doing their best given what they have to work with, Jacob is grateful for the benefits the system conveys to help keep people safe on our roadways, and Harry is more delighted than ever at how awesome things are when people understand how interdependent systems work.

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