This website covers knowledge management, personal effectiveness, theory of constraints, amongst other topics. Opinions expressed here are strictly those of the owner, Jack Vinson, and those of the commenters.

We are our contexts

I've always thought the idea of context was interesting.  Johanna Rothman thinks so too, What's Your Context:

We all start from our own contexts.

We are a sum of our experiences. In writing, we are a sum of what we have written, what we like to read, and where we feel comfortable.

It’s the same in our projects and our lives.

For me, I often notice this when listening and learning new ideas. I draw connections in one book, based on an article or book I have just read. I see things that I wouldn't have seen if I hadn't had some prior experience.  That's the whole idea of context - each of us bring our own experiences to a situation.

The harder part is that we often don't recognize that we are doing it. But when I listen to other people make claims, I often wonder what their assumptions are - why do they believe that XYZ is possible (or not)?  What makes them approach the world from that angle?  What makes me think about a situation the way I do.  

Bringing these things into light helps me and friendly colleagues check assumptions and do things differently. Check the context indeed.

Never say "I know" - the heart of improvement loops

Lean and TOC really do have a lot in common