Second Look: It's just the way it is

Friday, August 8, 2008

Many things in life and in business just happen and there's not much we can do about them. So don't sweat it

by RICHARD SMELSKI

Every parent remembers the "why" questions from their young children. Why is the sky blue? Why is the neighbour's tractor bigger? Why do pigs have that smell? If the world is round, how come people don't fall off the bottom?

The parental answer is often, 'Because it's just the way it is." Then these young children become educated and even study agricultural science, so that they can determine their own answers. Their biggest education is one of experience and they go on to challenge the impossible.

At these mid-years, we believe that we can make an impact and change the way things are. We're further encouraged by bankers, suppliers and motivators that we can make a difference. However, as maturity sets in, we once again begin to believe that 'it's just the way it is," even though sometimes there is no logical reason why it is so.

Try this if you need convincing:  First, while sitting where you are, at your desk or at the kitchen table, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction! There's nothing you can do about it. It's just the way it is.

You and I both know how unreal this is, but before the day is done, you are going to try it again, if you haven't already done so. 

There are many examples of things being "'just the way they are." For example, large organizations, especially non-profit ones, move slowly and often over-cautiously. Don't become a director on a marketing board or church organization and expect rapid change. These organizations get bogged down by task forces, committees, studies, research, referendums, policy reviews, pointless debates and, the worst, a survey. Large organizations move slowly and tediously. It's just the way it is.

It's just the way it is for market prices to fluctuate. When market prices generate a profit, businesses can expand, and when market prices are below cost of production, someone will go out of business. Average market price equals average cost of production (over time). It's just the way it is. And even worse, the margins gradually decline over time. You can call it greed, opportunism, misfortune, entrepreneurship, or accept that it's just the way it is.

If you think you are not going to experience a "new disease," guess again. Pioneering swine vet Dr. Al Leman's saying was that "disease abhors a vacuum." As you get rid of one disease, you leave a vacuum for new bugs to enter the system. Get rid of Circo and you get plagued by H. parasuis infections, or Strep or Ileitis. Get control of PRRS (Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome) and a new serotype invades or Mycoplasma or Clostridium.

We live in a world full of bugs and organisms and they will multiply in areas of low competition and retract in areas of high competition. You can call it the balance of nature or whatever, but it's just the way it is.

There are many minor and major examples of things that just happen – the last pig in the pen escapes, breakdowns occur on weekends, pigs move more slowly when you are in a hurry, the line next to you will move quicker, prices go up after you sell, even clear directions have two interpretations. And at dinner, you will sit in the same chair at the kitchen table. It's just the way it is, so don't sweat it. BP

Former Ontario government swine specialist Richard Smelski most recently served as general manager of Ontario Swine Improvement Inc.