Actual Versus Ideal

ACTUAL VERSUS IDEAL

by Antonio C. Antonio

June 17, 2013

Ethical standard among individuals is as varied as their physical attributes.  What may seem right to others could be wrong to some.  It will not be right to say though that we are right and the others are wrong simply because we disagree with whatever is happening or the standards that are being followed.  In most instances, when we ourselves are given the chance to use our set of values in implementing certain tasks, others will also judge our actions by their own set of standards… and, more often, we find it hard for everyone to agree with us 100 percent.

Positions of leadership are very lonely and harsh places to be in.  Not unless we are perched in such positions do we realize how tough it really is.  As followers at first, it is important to learn from our leaders… appreciate their right decisions and learn from their mistakes.  As we go up the ladder in any organization, problems become more complicated so we need to adapt and study further to cope with the more complex conditions that come our way.  These would all be for the purpose of honing our skills to make the tough decisions later.

If I were to give an advice to anyone in a position of leadership, my advice will be to go back to the basics… Management 101.  Going back to the basics means reviewing or revisiting: (a) the goals and objectives of the organization; and (b) the concepts of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, directing and controlling.  The leader should also make sure that the tasks at hand are:

1.     simplified;

2.     attainable;

3.     measurable; and,

4.     time-bound. 

This may be a tedious process but it is the only way to go for the leader to really be able to visualize, realize and actualize the problems besetting him and his organization.

 Just my little thoughts…

REACTIONS/COMMENTS:

Prof. Renato A. Folledo, Jr. (June 26, 2013):  “Actual versus Ideal.  Everyone has his own perspective of an ideal society and governance, whether observed from a foreign location or just a personal principle adapted from someone else's idealogy.  When our ideal is contrary to the actual, we tend to react and wish it is much closer to our ideal.  Our reactions can vary like plain indifference, desperation accompanied with negative criticism, or push for reform in our own capacity.  As present and aspiring innovators in our society, we are not supposed to despise the actual system of governance just because we are aware of something more ideal.”

Joy Domingo (July 17, 2013):  “I agree with Sir Anton's statement. From a health team care member's point of view, we encounter some scenarios like choosing between the actual vs ideal in our daily tasks. Of course it is still "case to case" basis however, I can say that as much as possible we would like to implement our "ideals" or our "standards" however we must also consider if it can be implemented in reality. There are so many factors to consider. I would like to mention few and includes time, budget & urgency. Ika nga, we must make sure that it is SMART. S-pecific; M-easurable; A-ttainable; R-ealistsic and of course T-ime bounded.”