My Theory X and Theory Y
13 05 2008Theory X and Theory Y are originally theories on employee management motivation, created and developed by Douglas McGregor. I have been contemplating for the past couple of days on how I view people and my perception of the world in general. And I realize I am more of a pessimist rather than an optimist. Hmmm, I prefer calling myself a skeptic. How about you? I have redefined McGregor’s XY Theories to fit according to my likings and of course to understand the instant perceptions I make of others and of myself.
My Theory X
- Pessimist
- Easily notices the bad rather than the good
- Expects the worse in things
- Worried on a lot of negative things
- Not that open to change
- Self-centered
- So basically theory X is worry, worry on a lot of negative things.
My Theory Y
- Optimistic generally
- More open minded
- The good in others trumps the bad
- Expects for the good
- More open to change
- Unselfish
- This is generally the opposite of my theory X
As I said I am theory X. I am such a negative thinker and one would understand that if you’ve read my previous post on my random paranoia. Even James was surprised to read my paranoia rundown. Indeed, my head is a scary place to be. I would sporadically ponder on am I just being real? Well, our world is not at all friendly and sometime the goodness get sucked out. But am I just being real? Am I reflecting my thoughts and my perspectives on the harsh reality that we all fondly grew up to? However, in one book I read, it said there that we all have different worlds. And our world is dependent on our view, perspective and our environment. Now I am twisting things out and I’m asking an age old question that has no definite answer.
How did I come up with my theory X and Y? The theory X i s basically what I am now. Theory Y is what I hope I can change into. However old habits are hard to break. I want to see the world with a different glow however I just need to understand things, X and Y theory. There is more to it and that would lead us to an unfathomable question of life.
Do you ever have days like this? I frequently have my contemplating days which can be so darn annoying and addicting all at once. Do you have any advice for me?
I have some advice for you, Zeniamai
I would describe myself as a person who exists on different planes. I do not mean moody, but some sort of a multiple personality. Deep in my heart, I am almost lifeless, neither Theory X nor Theory Y. On a more superficial level, I am of the type you could describe by your Theory X. Outwardly, I am a Theory Y type of person. You may not find it easy to believe, but I have discovered that sub-consciously, I drift between the three personalities from time to time, but externally, I am mostly of the Theory Y type.
You have done a great thing by identifying the types by your Theory X and Theory Y. You don’t have to transform yourself from the Theory X to the Theory Y type. I don’t think it is easy at all. Actually, there is plenty of good in the Theory X personality as well. The main thing is that the Theory X type of persons realise their personality and flaws, if any. That is exactly what you have done. Only when we realise our flaws, can we rectify them or atleast try to rectify them. All you need to do is to look at the brighter side of life externally, but internally look at the negative things, so that you are always aware of the things that you need to change about yourself. I’m not asking you to develop a multiple personality, but just try to get rid of the negative things once you have identified them, instead of constantly worrying over them.
I have gone through not-so-good times in my life where I had to look deep within myself to realise what life is all about and what I have to do to get my life on track. That was when I discovered Buddhist philosophy. I am not a religious person and I do not follow any religion, but I found Buddhist philosophy enlightening. Later, I went through other philosophies and I realised that Buddhist philosophy and Christian philosophy are similar in several ways. If you compare the two, you will find that they are very close to each other.
I don’t know if I have confused you, but I would always be glad to explain further, should you need it
That’s one long comment Raj… hehe.. Yes, trying to change your instant views is very hard… It can be frustrating at some point. You have a point there Raj and I’m basically glad that another person think that theory X is not at all bad. It’s just I’m tired of being this theory x person. My personality is consistently inconsistent..