The homeopathic theory of management

Homeopathy [1] is based on the idea that to activate the body’s defenses you need to introduce irritants into it and that a substance that produces the same symptoms of a disease will cure such disease. These supposed mechanisms have never been scientifically proven.

In management I’ve encountered similar beliefs in using homeopathic treatments. To get the most out of people, to keep them from slacking off and on their toes, you need to activate their defenses. The techniques vary, some common ones are: always asking for more, adding pressure, creating stress in the hopes of garnering superior performance.

Such techniques don’t really build strength, resiliency or learning, they just irritate people and make their lives harder and their work less enjoyable.

In sports good practice is better than lots of practice. In business it should be the same, it’s not just about working harder. It’s about developing the best in people, oor even better, helping them flourish and become the best version of themselves, through training, coaching, learning opportunities, and practice.

Let’s get back to science and leave homeopathy alone.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy