If it aint broke...don't fix it - Page 2

DwaynieAD · #21 12-05-2012, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I work in a department where everyone has this philosophy, and it drives me nuts.

-Mike

I work for a company who believes in constant improvement. in the nearly 2 years I've been here its been almost nothing but steps back. the only reason we are growing is sheer numbers.

MJ5150 · #22 12-05-2012, 03:28 PM

Why has it been steps back?

Where I work takes steps back but that is because they are getting further behind.

-Mike

DwaynieAD · #23 12-05-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Why has it been steps back?

Where I work takes steps back but that is because they are getting further behind.

-Mike

its change for the sake of change, constantly. whether the change is needed or not they're going to make it. when it doesn't work they throw more money it at, then more labor hours at it, then put some new form of performance tracking in place to try to pinpoint the employees as the reason it's not working, then finally they lower associated performance expectations so now suddenly the changed process is in the green. but the reality is that less is getting done but because rates were lowered to accommodate this the metrics appear that we are doing well.

bluesblaster · #24 12-05-2012, 03:54 PM

"results my vary"

MJ5150 · #25 12-05-2012, 03:58 PM

Gotcha. Yes, I could see the frustration with that style of management. You could always come work with me. We're stuck in 2004 here. Nothing changes except what they serve in the cafeteria.

-Mike

**mjac28** · #26 12-05-2012, 04:07 PM

"If it ain't broke keep "fixing" it until it is" this was the philosophy I lived under for many, many years at work.

LiquidMidnight · #27 12-05-2012, 08:14 PM

What can really be frustrating is when something actually needs fixin' and people are in denial that it's broken.

Tat2dHeart · #28 12-05-2012, 08:24 PM

The real secret to success is knowing when to apply either "if it's not broke, don't fix it" or "if it's not broke, break it." They both have a place. As does slaughtering the sacred cow, because as we all know, sacred cows make the best burgers.

two fingers · #29 12-05-2012, 08:43 PM

It depends. I think where it gets murky is the term "broke". The horse and buggy weren't "broke" when the car came along. But if the inventors of the car had gone with "If it ain't broke...." we would still be depending on horses for travel. I'll bring it to a topic even closer to our hearts here at TB. What Jamerson did wasn't "broke", but I'm really glad that Jaco, Stanley, Larry Graham, and the may other innovators of our instrument didn't sit back and say "Jamerson's way ain't broke so why fix it?"

On the other hand, they keep "fixing" the design of cell phones in order to make things more convenient for us. Now my phone is a complicated and unreliable hot mess. Before, I wasn't glued to the dang thing and it made great phone calls (imagine that).

Bosses are a lot like politicians. They feel as though their value will go down if they don't do something constantly. Personally, I wish both politicians and many bosses would just take a few months off and let things coast a while. Because in many cases, the unintended consequences of the "fixes" make things worse than before.

(That was not a political opinion piece. I would offer the same suggestion to those on both sides and in the middle. Politicians IN GENERAL will mess things up trying to make them better.)

Simo98 · #30 12-06-2012, 12:50 AM

"If it 'aint broke, don't fix it."

It's an odd saying, I don't think it is possible to "Fix" something unless it is broken, by definition. Presuming we're talking fix as in repair.

As mentioned, the idea has a time and a place. In the most part though, new ideas and innovation comes through people trying to "fix" or change and alter things that already function as intended. Plenty of screw ups have come out of it too.

I don't like the idea of forced updates, in the case of the software example you mentioned earlier. Infact I hate them with a passion. From a technical standpoint they are only sensible and practical though.

machine gewehr · #31 12-06-2012, 01:03 AM

My smartphone is running the old Android Froyo 2.2. (New versions are 4.~ I guess.) I am not fixing that.

However, if I'm making an application for Android, I can't finish it because I'm always fixing it even though if it's working.

Personally, I don't fix it if ain't broken. Professionally, I do unnecessary "fixes" (without overkill, easy does it) to a software.

SoVeryTired · #32 12-06-2012, 02:21 AM

If it ain't broke, pass me the hammer.

DwaynieAD · #33 12-06-2012, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two fingers

Bosses are a lot like politicians. They feel as though their value will go down if they don't do something constantly. Personally, I wish both politicians and many bosses would just take a few months off and let things coast a while. Because in many cases, the unintended consequences of the "fixes" make things worse than before.

I used to work for a commercial real estate firm as an accountant. every year all the agents and management would go to a conference in vegas for 2+ weeks. the office ran so smoothly and so much more higher quality work would get done during those two weeks. it was hilariously sad.

buzzbass · #34 12-06-2012, 06:33 AM

it depends on who is telling you that you need the upgrade, and what the track record is for similar upgrades from the same company. If EMC tells me I need to upgrade, I generally believe them without reservation. Their track record is that good. I have a similar system from Isilon, and I've learned to question everything they say to do 3 times before I make a decision. Granted, they are new to the game, but they have a lot of maturing to do. I guess what I'm trying to say is ALWAYS consider the source.

MatticusMania · #35 12-06-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tat2dHeart

As does slaughtering the sacred cow, because as we all know, sacred cows make the best burgers.

I disagree. Mad cows make happy burgers, and a happy burger is the best burger.

Ah, a purpose in death, if only we could be so lucky

DwaynieAD · #36 12-06-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I disagree. Mad cows make happy burgers, and a happy burger is the best burger.

Ah, a purpose in death, if only we could be so lucky

are they mad as in crazy or mad as in angry?

MatticusMania · #37 12-06-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwaynieAD

are they mad as in crazy or mad as in angry?

Angry. Angry cows are only happy in death, happy to be rid of their anger. Like Angry Cat.
Crazy. Crazy cows start studying philosophy only to discover that living is hell, and welcome death as a return to their celestial home.

Both, the answer is moo-t.

Bloodhammer · #38 12-06-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I disagree. Mad cows make happy burgers, and a happy burger is the best burger.

Ah, a purpose in death, if only we could be so lucky

You could help me start my "long pig" burger restaurant. I bet vegetarian-fed Buddhist burgers would go over great with the health food crowd!

Tat2dHeart · #39 12-06-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I disagree. Mad cows make happy burgers, and a happy burger is the best burger.

Ah, a purpose in death, if only we could be so lucky

We do have a purpose in death (and life). Mine is to serve as a bad example.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Angry. Angry cows are only happy in death, happy to be rid of their anger. Like Angry Cat.
Crazy. Crazy cows start studying philosophy only to discover that living is hell, and welcome death as a return to their celestial home.

Both, the answer is moo-t.

Very mooooo-t. hahaha Dead cow is dead cow regardless of whether it's been angry or crazy during its life. And...dead cow is tasty in so many ways. Not as tasty as bacon, but still better than asparagus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodhammer

You could help me start my "long pig" burger restaurant. I bet vegetarian-fed Buddhist burgers would go over great with the health food crowd!

When you get that thing started, give me a yell. I'll help you write your menu.

MatticusMania · #40 12-06-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodhammer

You could help me start my "long pig" burger restaurant. I bet vegetarian-fed Buddhist burgers would go over great with the health food crowd!

And extremely tender from all the yoga/tai-chi and meditating in the lotus position most of the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tat2dHeart

Very mooooo-t. hahaha Dead cow is dead cow regardless of whether it's been angry or crazy during its life. And...dead cow is tasty in so many ways. Not as tasty as bacon, but still better than asparagus.

I like asparagus much better.