A beast or not a beast?
A Dutchman, Anton Van Leeuwanhock, was probably the first person to see the beasts, about 1660, but he did not perceive their significance. He had developed a powerful microscope. Other people then created better ones. They also saw the beasts, but could not see perceive their significance.
A hundred years later, Dr Louis Pasteur looked at the small organisms through his microscope, and made a sensational diagnosis. He proclaimed that the organisms were bacteria and responsible for contagion and the spreading of disease. Of course, many so called experts said that Pasteur was mistaken, because they could not perceive the significance.
The point is that facts are only as good as the interpretation and diagnosis. Another 150 years were to pass before Dr Alexander Fleming, perceived another breakthrough. The fungus in one of his scientific instruments was destroying dangerous bacteria. It was a perception that could save millions of lives. But, he could not get others to perceive how to manufacture it in large quantities.
Another ten years were to pass before Drs Florey and Chain realised that it could be done. It took another five years to produce large quantities of penicillin, a drug that we now regard as vital.
So, we go back in time to 1660, over 300 years. The technology existed to do what Pasteur did. But, the perception was lacking. Today, we have advanced technology and are equipped with so many facts. But, too often we do not see the significance.
Perception is a central concept in psychology. Education needs to be as much about the diagnosis as it is about the enquiry. Problem solving is about having the right theory to interpret the facts. The Margerison Communication and Problem Solving Resource provides the framework for both.
It is valuable for students and people in professional and business work situations. Gaining the facts is one thing. Perceiving what they mean and using them effectively is another.
The Margerison CPS Diamond Model has been used widely in education and business to help people work more effectively on problem solving. At the heart of every solution is the need to have clear and accurate perceptions. This starts by asking the right questions, gathering relevant data and making decisions upon sound diagnosis.
How effective are you?
A demonstration of The Margerison CPS Model can be viewed by visiting www.amazingpeoplelearning.com
Author Note – Dr Charles Margerison is a Chartered Psychologist. He was previously Professor of Management at Cranfield University, UK, and the University of Queensland, Australia. The author of more than 30 books, he has developed Amazing People Library, an online subscription service for libraries that encourages inspirational learning. He has also developed the web-based Amazing People Skills facility, which provides access to the Margerison Communication and Problem Solving Model and Resources.
Dr Charles Margerison, founder of Amazing People Worldwide and Amazing People Schools, is a Psychologist. As well as working in educational organisations for many years, he has consulted widely for major corporates in the fields of organizational and educational psychology. He was previously Professor of Management at Cranfield University, UK, and the University of Queensland, Australia. He founded Amazing People Worldwide in 2006 and is supported by a dedicated global team. Dr Margerison is a member of the Royal Institution, Royal Society of Literature, Historical Association, and Association of Business Psychology. He previously co-founded Emerald Publishing Ltd, and Team Management Systems, a team-building tool, which is now used in 190 countries worldwide.