Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip. After a fine outdoor meal and a bottle of wine, they go to sleep. Several hours later, Holmes awakes Watson, and says, "Look up, Watson, and tell me what you see." "I see millions and millions of stars," says Watson. "And what does that tell you?" "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and billions of stars in the universe. Astrologically, I see that Saturn is in Leo. Chronologically, it tells me that it's about half past three in the morning. Theologically, it tells me that God is infinite and we are infinitesimal. Meteorologically, it tells me that tomorrow will probably be a fair day. And what does it tell you, Holmes? There is a pause. Then Holmes says, "Watson, you twit, it tells me that somebody stole our tent!" The understanding of a problem, whether personal, cognitive or organizational, begins with the perception of it. Hypnotized by analysis, theory, and method, we mistake the secondary for the primary. We forget that perception comes first. But life will always remind us. Even if "Watson" doesn't notice the absence of the tent at first, sooner or later it will rain or get cold. |