This title might seem vaguely familiar to some readers. It could be because I've touched on the topic in other articles and columns that I've written here and elsewhere. In my opinion, it highlights an ongoing problem in many a workplace. Permit me to bring it up one more time.

Over the years, I've held the belief that all young people should go to school and be taught. I believed that when I entered Grade 1 in 1940, and today, 80 years later, I realize that it is probably one of only two core beliefs that have always been correct. (The other one is that soon after a hiring spree, companies often are amazed by how many strange characters they seem to have brought on board.)

Nevertheless, many of my beliefs actually changed over time, mostly due to events beyond my influence or control. I attribute some of those changes to growing wiser and not being as gullible as I probably was in my younger years. Other changes resulted from life experiences that, understandably, differ from person to person. Whenever thought processes cannot be harmonized because of vastly differing backgrounds, our arguments will fall on deaf ears, which is a complete waste of everyone’s time.

From my many decades in the workforce and as an observer of the world scene, I've become convinced that not every adult enjoys good mental health. And, although only a limited number of people will benefit from this short writeup, the good news is that I will now, mercifully and finally, get to the point:

I believe that we waste much time trying to convince the "indifferent." No matter what their station is in life, or what job function they hold in modern industry, these are people who cannot be "reached," metaphorically speaking. Such people will tune out the moment you challenge their cherished beliefs. Their desire to be seen and heard at their place of employment is threatened by anyone’s efforts to implement lasting safety and reliability improvements.

Alas, they will defend their right to merely occupy space against the threat posed by value-adders. And that’s why we should not waste time trying to reach the unreachable. 

heinzpbloch@gmail.com