Theory of Constraints Handbook - James Cox Iii [543]
Three characteristics about TOC were pivotal to our decision:
1. TOC tools are Socratic.
From an early age, most inmates have been lectured on the right way to act, think, and behave by parents, teachers, social workers, counselors, and prison officers. As a result, like smokers, they have become numb to outside opinions, no matter how rational. TOC tools, however, provide them the freedom of choice to use their own words, expressions, and language to develop privately their own solutions to their problems. Once they understand the process, participants have free rein to express their own point of view within the parameters of a logic diagram without third-party interruption or distraction.
When these inmates, who are so used to not helping themselves, decide to buy in, then it is an enormous sense of accomplishment because they feel like they helped themselves. This empowerment facilitates ownership of the solution instead of having to be reminded constantly about the negative consequences of their actions. Within the setting of a correctional facility where inmates are largely constrained in the way that they act and behave, the importance of this sense of empowerment by unleashing their thinking processes cannot be underestimated. As one inmate put it, “You can control how I behave, but you cannot control my mind.”
2. TOC tools cross all boundaries.
TOC tools are generic enough to use across different industries and applications but yet specific enough to meet each participant’s needs irrespective of age, education, and culture. They provide a simple yet logical framework to check one’s thought processes in the language and vocabulary with which one is familiar and comfortable. Figures 27-5 and 27-6 show the work of inmates in different languages.
3. TOC believes that everyone is basically good.
According to the TOC philosophy, bad actions result from an illogical or irrational choice of action to meet their underlying need. To many, this is an impossible statement to believe as we are conditioned to believe that bad people do bad things. This creates an enormous sense of self-blame and guilt when the offender finally accepts responsibility for his actions. Unless there is some way to make atonement for his actions, many ex-offenders carry the belief that they are bad which affects their subsequent behavior. Labeled by society, family, and self as worthless and hopeless, not surprisingly this often leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
FIGURE 27-5 Branch diagram in Chinese.
FIGURE 27-6 Branch diagram in Malay.
By using the TOC Evaporating Cloud, one is able to logically validate one’s understanding of each situation and identify the erroneous assumption that has led to the wrongful action. Coupled with the self-correcting terminology of the tool, one learns to see the best in self and others through identifying the positive need underlying each action and thus avoiding preemptive and wrongful judgment.
Figures 27-7a and b illustrate a marital conflict. In order to have a happy marriage (common objective), I must prove my point (need). In order to prove my point (need), I must argue (want). Does proving a point lead to a happy marriage? Is arguing the only way to prove a point? We can rewrite this cloud using different wording: In order to have a happy marriage (common objective), I must ensure my spouse understands me (need). In order to ensure my spouse understands me (need), I must argue (want).
The difference in wording between “prove a point” and “ensure that my spouse understands me” is slight but the difference in meaning is enormous. The first is all about self, but the latter implies that the spouse’s opinion matters. Other ways to increase understanding could be to write a letter or e-mail, or have a quiet chat.
By learning to stand in other people’s shoes, one becomes more empathetic and receptive to new and different points of view and opinions over time. For inmates, this is an excellent reflective tool to review the actions of others, as well as self, rather than just