Christian Dimension

Hidden Resource

By Joseph C. Neiman

The single most valuable resource, which still has to be fully developed by man, is man himself. We have yet to free people from crippling insecurities, inhibitions, and restrictions so they can become fully creative. If we can do this man will reap rewards beyond his greatest expectations.

Creativity is not limited to a few artists and musicians in far off corners of the world. Each of us has a creative potential far beyond what we credit ourselves. Our mind has the ability to function much more than we usually allow and to produce insights greater than we expect. It is limited largely by just that our expectations or our demands upon it.

When we approach a new situation – take a painting for an example – our first approach is often; "I can’t do that." We assume that there is a special talent required for this task and that we do have it. Some expert would have to teach us how but even then the chances are slim that we could be able to do it. This expectation or limitation, which we ourselves impose, is the most fundamental thing, which keeps us from being able to accomplish the task.

It has been proved, for example, that poor readers in school by and large see themselves as poor readers and this fact more than any inability or lack of skill, keeps them from reading. Change the self-concept and they can begin to read.

Employers, mothers, teachers and preachers (and others) base their actions towards those in their care upon a general view of man. Religion often makes this view of man holy and unchangeable. McGregor identifies two general views of man: Theory X and Theory Y.

In Theory X man is seen as basically tending toward evil. He hates work and study and must be directed towards accomplishing anything in his life. Not only that, he feels secure in such direction for he knows precisely where he stands in relationship to God, to himself, his work, and society in general. Acting upon this view, leaders (employers, teachers, etc.) impose directions and controls (rewards and punishments) upon those under their care.

People acting upon Theory Y see man as basically able to gain enjoyment out of work as well as play. In other words, his self-respect can come from doing a good job and in fact he is more apt to do well when he is self-directed and self-controlled than when he is coerced or directed by others. Leaders acting upon Theory Y lead those in their charge to examine their own values and goals and to work together to achieve the mutually desired goals. In other words, students, for example, come to see that learning is exciting and relevant to them. Workers that the successful completion of their task will advance the company and themselves at the same time, especially through profit sharing plans.

When we expect the best from others, they usually reach it. But this old saying has yet to become a full part of our beliefs and actions. Until it does, we will not fully be creative. Our most precious be able to free people to become resource will still be undeveloped.

Osceola County Herald, Thursday, November 23, 1967