System is not work, but is simply a law of action for reducing work. It does not require special executors, but permits few to accomplish much. It loads no man with labor, but lightens the labor of each by rigidly defining it. Hard work begins when system relaxes. System never, under any circumstances, interferes with variations in human action, but includes them. Elasticity is not a quality of system. Comprehensiveness is.
System is the result of two rigid laws: a place for everything and everything in its place, and specific lines of duty for every man… .
In many shops half the things are everybody’s business and never done; the others are nobody’s business and half done.
— James W. See, “Extracts from Chordal’s Letters” (American Machinist, 1880)
Wood for the tills?
Indeed. I’ve got to get this chest finished in two weeks when i go back on the road.
This is way too cerebral for a Monday morning…..(where did I leave my coffee????)
Poor Dan,
Maybe you should go read the love wax post again.
An organised and methodical approach gets things done quickest. True – but isn’t it strange that, despite the best intentions, real life never quite seems to work out that way?
And, after 130 years, the same crap is half done or done half-assed, or why the hell am I still reminding you to empty the dust collector/sweep the floor/fill in the blank each week when I remember to sign your paycheck each week? Get with the system! (also known as “it must be monday”). Chordal must be chortle-ing in his grave.
Speaking of things undone, has anyone re-issued (or considered re-issuing, hint hint) Charles H. Hayward’s woodwork joints (or any other of his many writings)?
Yes. A lot.
Not sure I like that quote. I felt uncomfortable just reading it. Probably why I never get along with machinists, understand their approach, or feel we’re members of the same species.
Chris glad to see you mixing it up with the tills. In your research do you find the chests were built from only one species of wood or do they seem to be what they had on the shelf? Keep up the good work.
Wow! Truly a great passage. Thank you for this.
“Systems tend to oppose their own proper function.”
“People in systems do not actually do what the system says they are doing.”
John Gall, 1978, Systemantics
Given my non-conforming nature, strong motivation from basic curiosity, numerous assaults on creativity, truly idealistic approach, and happy obsession with a hobby; this just will not work for me.
To often “elasticity” is built into systems believing that it is the route to empowerment, which it is not. Comprehensive systems is seen as disempowering hence the move to building elasticity into systems which it is not. Real empowerment is should be focussed on making systems even more comprehensive and fail proof on the quest to quality.