Global Logic, LLC was retained as the project manager for the Chiquita-DeNadai-Japan
ripening room construction project in Tokyo.. We asked of Jim Still, Global's
president and inventor of the TarpLess® ripening system, to
expound on Global's unique approach to project design and organization.
"Of course, we are very experienced in produce refrigeration, especially
pressurized ripening. More importantly, though, the strategic tool we use
to approach projects is called "Critical Thinking".
What is Critical Thinking? Most plainly put, it is independent thinking,
or thinking for oneself. Many of our personal beliefs are acquired at an
early age, when we have a strong tendency to form beliefs because we want
to believe (Santa Claus, where I grew up, or the Tooth Fairy), because
we are praised (good boy, Jimmy), or rewarded for believing (your brother
didn't mean to hit you with the baseball bat, he really does love you,
here, have some ice cream, you'll feel better).
In business, too, we find the same "passive thinking": The existing
system is the best one (we've always done it that way), the other guy is
the expert (how could I possibly learn about that), or why fix it if it
isn't broken (our company did it this way on the previous project, so of
course we should do it the same way for our project).
Critical thinkers use deductive skills and insights to reveal and reject
beliefs that are irrational. Critical thinkers do not passively accept
the beliefs of others; rather, they try to figure things out for themselves,
reject unjustified authorities, and recognize the contributions of genuine
authorities. Experience does help, but watch out for the complacency which
can arise from taking too much for granted.
Critical thinkers are not unduly influenced by the supposed accomplishments
of so-called experts. They are not limited by accepted ways of doing things.
They evaluate needs, set goals, and plan to achieve them. They do not accept
as true, or reject as false, beliefs they do not understand. They are not
easily manipulated.
Critical thinkers strive to incorporate all known relevant knowledge
and insight into their thought and behavior. They strive to determine for
themselves when information is relevant, when to apply a concept, or when
to make use of a skill. They are self-monitoring: they catch their own
mistakes.
We believe this is the best way to successfully manage a project...of course, you will have to arrive at your own conclusion."