I think you make some valid points. I spent the first half of my worklife as a laborer. I am fortunate (or unfortunate) in having more endurance than the majority. I don't think it's a gift of god, but quite the opposite. I was never quite as talented at things so I worked twice as hard developing talents and so i developed, consequently what seemed to bosses better work skills so I would be promoted and then expected to have everyone equal my productivity skills.
The bosses always failed and productivity decreased. As a laborer others were often inspired to produce more to keep up with each other. If they removed from the line there was neither my example to inspire, nor my own efforts in accomplishing what was generally expectations and productivity generally halved when I was promoted.
But the same is true in our educational system.. No one is too inspired by the "a" student in the front row with their hand raised. but if students are arranged into study groups instead of rows in a classroom, I found (when I finally began attending college in midlife) we often inspired each other. I think our educational system would also improve if instead of marking on individual performance they marked on group achievement. That way the "weaker" were strengthened by the "more" talent in any particular discussion.
In work, in school, in life, we are always more inspired when we dispense with having those we are supposed to follow and follow those who do inspire us the most by encouraging the group to excel and not those who seek to excel above the group by leaving others behind.
I think you make some valid points. I spent the first half of my worklife as a laborer. I am fortunate (or unfortunate) in having more endurance than the majority. I don't think it's a gift of god, but quite the opposite. I was never quite as talented at things so I worked twice as hard developing talents and so i developed, consequently what seemed to bosses better work skills so I would be promoted and then expected to have everyone equal my productivity skills.
The bosses always failed and productivity decreased. As a laborer others were often inspired to produce more to keep up with each other. If they removed from the line there was neither my example to inspire, nor my own efforts in accomplishing what was generally expectations and productivity generally halved when I was promoted.
But the same is true in our educational system.. No one is too inspired by the "a" student in the front row with their hand raised. but if students are arranged into study groups instead of rows in a classroom, I found (when I finally began attending college in midlife) we often inspired each other. I think our educational system would also improve if instead of marking on individual performance they marked on group achievement. That way the "weaker" were strengthened by the "more" talent in any particular discussion.
In work, in school, in life, we are always more inspired when we dispense with having those we are supposed to follow and follow those who do inspire us the most by encouraging the group to excel and not those who seek to excel above the group by leaving others behind.