A categorization of what's knowable

We often use different words for what we know, like in data-engineering, information systems, and knowledge workers. But do we really understand their meaning and implications?

So what are these categories?

Russell Ackoff used to say and teach that the content of the human mind can be classified into five categories:

Lifers and politicians

I’m sure you have encountered plenty of toxic people at work. Let’s look at some of the most dangerous kinds: lifers, and politicians.

Toxic employees come in all shapes and sorts. Some are relatively innocuous, while others can kill a company if not addressed. The more obvious it is that somebody is toxic at work, the less dangerous they usually are.

When it comes to models it's not about truth

Understanding models and lenses, their applicability, and their limitations.

The philosophical bits

Life is about luck and decision-making. Luck has tremendous impact, but we don’t control it, which leaves us with decisions.

Why?

I can hear the what’s in it for me? in your head.

I hope you’ll find some of my thoughts useful, and this is more likely if you’re a startup founder, a software engineer, a product manager, a marketer, a project manager or any other software product development professional.