Beware of the Flu-Flu Bird

摘要

My dad frequently told the "Flu-Flu Bird" story to make a point that will soon become obvious. Seems this feathered fowl is hatched and starts to fly in a meaningful direction but soon begins to fly in ever decreasing concentric circles until it eventually flies up the rear of its own anatomy. At that point, it screams, "I can't see where I'm going!" (Actually Dad's story was more graphic; I cleaned it up a bit). But that doesn't stop the creature-it keeps on flying. Sound familiar? Much research and professional development starts well but gets bogged down in its own manure as we (remember I'm a retired professor, so I'm talking about myself) forget the reason for the research and improve it until it is totally useless. I can give many examples, but won't bore you. Periodically, we need to step back and be sure we know what we are trying to accomplish. Here's a novel thought: "If it's not useful, it shouldn't be used."