This dilemma is inherent in all types of information work, but especially kinds where there are ‘unreasonable effectiveness/elegance mechanisms’ like math, algorithmic structure, or laws of physics. Hidden “nature’s gift processes” entangled with the work processes.
-
-
The hammer in this metaphor can be thought of as discovered IP. Depending on the nature of the work context, you may have some claim on the IP itself (for example my former employer Xerox had a mechanism to assign IP it had no use for back to inventor employees).
Show this thread -
If for example, you invent a better mousetrap while employed at Mousetraps, Inc. you may lose some pay for sunk effort (it looks like a day’s work, actually took a week) but get a patent bonus, and maybe rights for non-mousetrapping applications. But these are side issues.
Show this thread -
The deeper point here is developing a bonus/spillover ‘lucky’ mentality and actively looking for elegance in everything you do. Even at the risk of lower immediate reward due to maker’s dilemma. In the short run, in specific gigs, you may lose rewards.
Show this thread -
But in the long run, you’ll develop a reputation for being unreasonably lucky and inspired. A “done, and gets things smart” genius rather than a mere “smart, and gets things done” worker-bee. See Steve Yegge post on this: http://steve-yegge.blogspot.com/2008/06/done-and-gets-things-smart.html …
Show this thread -
A bonus mentality is also the trick behind “talent hits what others can’t hit, genius hits what others can’t see”, can you guess why? It has to do with “obviousness” in where you’ve come from versus in where you could go.
Show this thread -
If an “obvious” insight at line 800/week 3 of coding V1 of a program leads you to actually deliver a 20-line V2 that takes 1 hour to write, your client will feel cheated if you charge more than a day. But the 3 weeks are not waste, they’ve refactored your perception!
Show this thread -
The client is the beneficiary of a more cheaply hammered nail, but you’re the one with the new hammer, capable of seeing the nails others can’t see. They will... after you point them out, and hammer a few bonus nails to teach them.
Show this thread -
Those bonus nails are how you capture more value from your insights AND ensure everybody groks the potential so it’s turned into spillover societal value. That is the big prize. So don’t let the maker’s dilemma in creative work inhibit your openness to discovery. Carpe diem!pic.twitter.com/DfaE6Mr5Uz
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.
b) Obfuscate elegant output so apparent effort equals actual effort
c) Parlay elegance from hindsight simplification of original work into BONUS output 