A |
lso known as Cause and Effect Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram after its innovation
by the Japanese quality expert Dr Kaoru
Ishikawa, the fishbone diagram is a tool that can catalogue prospective source of a
problem so as to diagnose its principal causes. Brainstorming instruments such
as this can not only assist to address the symptoms of a much larger problem
but can also be used to the advantage of an individual’s appraisal.
While success is
subjective and temporary in nature, an unenlightened human instinct that is also
genetic to me as well like many others sometimes troubles me to mull over the lightning
speed of accomplishments and downpour of success that befall almost frequently
to some even if we are a species alike that habitats in the same ecosystem. A mythical
success story of such at times impacts me to question and awakens the corpse
of my self-actualization.
Success is a painful
journey that requires the stamina of sacrifices. A complete body of success is networked
with invisible organs of obstacles that either limit or miscarriage our
goals.
After nine years
into the service, I have managed to sculpt why the excursion of my success is
still so lengthy and gruelling to achieve.
 |
| Possible factors (causes) affecting the success (Effect) |
The following
were the principal causes to name a few:
a)
Skill
b)
Environment
c)
Efficiency
d)
Leadership
e)
Performance
f) Motivation
In the world dominated
by the dogmas of Darwin’s natural law of survival of the fittest, SKILL is probably one wick that can help
us burn the immortal flame of our existence. How indispensable a person is can
be largely determined by the uniqueness of an individual’s ability to be more artistic
cognitively, creative intellectually, and competent in problem-solving. Having
the same colour and taste of skill as others is perhaps vulnerable to the
erosion of our dream at any time due to its dullness and similarity. Hence more
uniquely skilful a person is, the better the chances of being successful.
Be it natural,
manmade or human, Environment is one
larger part that encompasses the tiny individual. This means that, directly or
indirectly, the elements of natural (land, air, water), man-made (road,
electricity, safe drinking water, internet connectivity) and human
environment (family,
community, religion, politics, economy) can affect the success of an
individual. When any of these elements are not favourable and keep fluctuating,
so do the priorities of an individual to accommodate such variations and thus, probably
delay or deny the access to success.
If Efficiency is one of the ribs that give
shape to an individual’s success, personal qualities (education, mental
power, resourcefulness, innovativeness) and environmental factors (working place,
working hours, incentives and promotion) are crucial components to sustain it.
No matter how honestly our innovation is showcased or how resourcefully one has
worked with a high sense of integrity and diligence, in an environment that has
lesser prospects of incentives and promotion, it’s like trying to fly with a
broken wing.
If the engine is to
the flywheel, Leader is to the
institution. Many leaders are ignorant to realize that the heartbeat of the
subordinates’ motivation, morale, and perseverance lies in the quality of their
work. How honestly and dedicatedly they work without being seen by anyone
visibly, how faithfully they walk the talk, how neatly they handle subordinates
without prejudices, nepotism and favouritism, and how incorrupt they are when in
power and control largely determines the geometry of subordinates’
performances.
The leaders who are transformational (a leader who
works in tandem with subordinates to identify change), charismatic (possessing a
great charm of influence and personality) and transactional (rewarding the
high performers and reprimanding the low performers) can be the harbinger
of change for the subordinates’ road to success.
A level playfield
that allows an individual a ticket of equity to work and expectation committed
and timely assistance when in dire need, and fair and just evaluation
significantly boosts the performance of
an individual. When performance is better, the road to success is swift and
smooth.
Eventually, Motivation in any form – intrinsic or
extrinsic is critical to the realization of an individual’s success. As a
social animal, Maslow’s Hierarchal needs namely social needs (friendship,
community, acceptance),
safety needs (security), and esteem
needs (responsibility,
recognition)
are necessary for the self-realization (independence) of an
individual. An independent individual is undoubtedly a good synonym for being
successful.
“Think
of at least four factors which influence your problem. See if a shift in one of
these ‘causes’ can give you a different ‘effect’ to explore” –Kaoru Ishikawa
