Tag: obliquity


Wikipedia Entry: Obliquity_(book)

Obliquity: Why our goals are best achieved indirectly is a book by economist John Kay. It was inspired by an observation of the successful pharmaceutical researcher, Sir James Black:

I used to tell my colleagues that if they wanted to make money, there were many easier ways to do it than drug research. How wrong could I have been! In business as in science, it seems that you are often most successful in achieving something when you are trying to do something else. I think of it as the principle of ‘obliquity’.

The theme of the book is that businesses and other enterprises are best run by enthusiasts who pursue excellence in their speciality. Financial success then follows from this. But, if financial goals are instead made the primary objective, the business will then lose its vigour and may fail.

Credit: Wikipedia - Obliquity_(book)



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Obliquity By John Kay (2010)

  AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States   As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Posts where this book is embedded Obliquity in a Complex World   In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly Books: John KayObliquity By John Kay (2010)Book Purchased: 10 December, 2019 … Continue reading Obliquity By John Kay (2010)

Pursue Complex Goals Obliquely Change Insight

Don’t pursue complex goals directly; adopt an oblique approach. Start by solving specific problems iteratively, remain open to serendipity, and adapt as circumstances change. Embrace uncertainty, see failures as learning opportunities, and trust that by keeping your values in focus, you’ll ultimately arrive at a rewarding destination, even if unexpected. Credit: This insight was inspired … Continue reading Pursue Complex Goals Obliquely Change Insight

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Nurturing an Innovation Culture Allowing emergence, not imposing change

Nurturing an innovative culture goes beyond traditional management and control methods. Many initiatives fail by trying to enforce change through rigid directives, which can backfire. Instead, culture should be seen as emergent, evolving naturally through interactions, flexibility, and supportive environments where creativity can thrive. Continue reading Nurturing an Innovation Culture Allowing emergence, not imposing change

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Obliquity in a Complex World In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly

In an unpredictable world, achieving complex goals through direct methods often fails. Traditional, rigid planning can fall apart under changing circumstances. Embracing obliquity—an indirect, adaptive approach—leads to success by allowing flexibility, learning from failures, and focusing on meaningful pursuits. Continue reading Obliquity in a Complex World In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly