Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

There is a fundamental question to ask in analyzing and engineering systems. Why don’t we use it more often?

A: We put this into the system.

B: And then what happens?

A: Well, now the system can do this great function for the users.

B: And then what happens?

A: For one thing, the users don’t call us so often.

B: And then what happens?

A: We have more time to ourselves to do what we want to do.

B: And then what happens?

The conversation can take several twists and turns depending on how A answers. This important thing is that B repeatedly asks the question.

It is a simple question—only four words. The words are easy to say. I often wonder why more people don’t ask the question more often. It provides useful answers. Of course A can become quite irritated, but then again, some persons hate it when you ask them anything.

Proceed with caution.