On heuristics and frameworks

When I finished my business undergraduate degree and went to MBA, the key thinking strategy to make sense of case studies and complex events was to think in terms of heuristics* and frameworks. In the age of voluminous information, heuristics and frameworks help us reasonably assume certain conditions and focus on certain areas. They are useful in the sense that we avoid being paralyzed by seemingly irrelevant details and focus on things that supposedly matter more.

As I finished my PhD, did administrative work, and taught the courses I once took, I began to realize: one of keys to lifelong learning is knowing when to rely on heuristics and when to abandon them. A framework mechanically applied to any context is a recipe for monotonous thinking (which, if we think about it, is antithetical to why we create heuristics, frameworks, and even theories in the first place).

It’s easy to apply mental shortcuts. The thrill of applying formulas and the feeling a certain sense of efficiency can unlock a dark side of the flow experience where we feel that we’re inching towards our goal, but in reality, we’re hastening towards traps that we may not get out of.

It is difficult to understand the assumptions and limitations of frameworks. It is dangerous when we leave these assumptions and limitations unchecked.

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*Bing AI defines “heuristics” with the following sources: “Heuristics are simple strategies that humans, animals, organizations, and even machines use to quickly form judgments, make decisions, and find solutions to complex problems¹. It is the process by which humans use mental short cuts to arrive at decisions¹. Often this involves focusing on the most relevant aspects of a problem or situation to formulate a solution¹. People use heuristics as a type of cognitive laziness to reduce the mental effort required to make choices and decisions². People use heuristics because they can be fast and correct in certain contexts². Some theories argue that heuristics are actually more accurate than they are biased².”

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/23/2023
(1) Heuristic – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuristic.
(2) Heuristics: Definition, Examples, and How They Work – Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-heuristic-2795235.
(3) Heuristic Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic.

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Luke 24:13-35. But their eyes were held, that they should not know him.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-113: APRIL 23, 2023]

There is power in knowing the scope of our mission

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything at once. However, when we spread ourselves too thin, we often end up not accomplishing anything. Understanding the scope of our mission is crucial in ensuring that we make a tangible impact and avoid becoming overwhelmed by our ambitions.

To put a dent in the universe requires a focused and disciplined effort. By limiting the scope of our mission, we can hone our skills and expertise in a particular area. This concentration allows us to dive deeper into our chosen field and make meaningful progress. When we are clear about our goals, we can dedicate our time and resources more efficiently, leading to significant and lasting achievements.

Furthermore, when we know the scope of our mission, we are more immune to the temptations of greed. In the pursuit of success, it is all too easy to be consumed by ambition and lose sight of our true purpose. By having a clear understanding of our mission’s boundaries, we can avoid overreaching and maintain our focus on what truly matters.

Knowing the scope of our mission means we increase the chances of staying true to ourselves. It’d be such a tragedy to get in our own way due to our hubris when even Jesus Himself knew what to do (and what not to) and when to do it.

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John 6:1-15. Jesus therefore, when he knew that they would come to take him by force, and make him king, fled again into the mountain himself alone.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-111: APRIL 21, 2023]

AI should not be weaponized against human workers

Why is it that the prevailing mindset when it comes to generative AI is that it should replace the jobs of humans?

Instead of replacing jobs, shouldn’t generative AI be used to augment the productivity and effectiveness of the existing workforce? Imagine how much value the existing workforcr of a company can unlock if they are upskilled to use AI tools rather than be replaced by AI.

Imagine if AI tools are used for the portions of tasks that humans do not find meaningful. It can free up so much time so that humans can focus on higher value work and rest. At the very least, the time AI tools can free up could lead to more slack; this can provide flexibility and openness to creative ideas and insight.

Our role is not to weaponize AI as a means to replace human workers or even as a means to cheat assessments. We should humanize AI, such that it enables the person to do less of the soulless task and more of the soulful ones.

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John 3:16-21. But he that does truth, comes to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they are done in God.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-109: APRIL 19, 2023]

On spiritual rebirths and being catalysts for change

In a sense, spiritual rebirth and attempting to become catalysts for change can be seen as paradoxes. While change and rebirth are something we can explicitly desire and pursue, they cannot be fully attained through our own efforts alone. Much like the figurative philosopher’s stone, many people may desire a higher power, but few are genuinely deserving of it. The truly worthy are those who do not lust for power and are not motivated by greed. The more one tries to control or force the process, the harder it may become to experience genuine transformation.

Thus, pursuing transformations or trying to be authentic catalysts for change indeed demands a sober awareness of our controllables and non-controllables. In other words, we should have a look at the scope and limitations of our powers and how we can use it wisely to interact with structures and contexts that surround us.

A holistic life demands both reason and faith, for it is through reason that we acknowledge our strengths and limitations, and it is through faith and trust that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and find ways to grow despite our weaknesses.

We must not embrace hubris and say “I will it be!” nor do we just passively surrender in cowardice and say “let it be!” Through insight and discernment, we proactively but humbly say “help it be!”

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John 3:1-8. The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-107: APRIL 17, 2023]

Why do we hold celebrations for our babies?

We celebrated Franco’s baptism today. (We would have wanted to invite more friends and family, but alas, budget is limited!)

At the back of my mind, I’m asking myself, why do we have to celebrate and have a feast in honor of someone who is too young to remember the events?

Celebrating the couple and the grandparents does not seem to be the best reason since we already have weddings for that.

While thanking the guests through a speech, the insight I encountered validated the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” I recall what I said in the speech, “The world out there might be harsh, but at least in our community, Franco will have a sanctuary.”

Thus, Franco may not remember this day. But with every music and dance played by his cousins and expressions of love from his grandparents, godparents, and greater community…

Celebrations such as this can become testaments that love can overflow.

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Mark 16:9-15. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-105: APRIL 15, 2023]