The Zero Aspiration The Maintenance of a Dangerous Idea

Dr Rob Long is presented this paper at “Visions” in late August 2014. Rob has allowed us to provide his paper as a free download

Not a day goes by when someone tells me they cop a flogging for not agreeing with this crazy ideology so, I thought we’d share this with you and why we think the zero harm mantra is a dangerous idea. If you had any doubts about the dangers of the Zero Harm mantra then this paper will finally set your thinking straight. For the zealots, I doubt very much that you will want to read this!

DOWNLOAD HERE: The-Zero-Aspiration

This paper is guided by a range of key questions, these are:

What is the fascination with zero and why is the language of ‘zero’ so attractive to so many?
Does the language of ‘zero’ make any difference?
Is it a harmless neutral concept that doesn’t really matter?
Does ‘zero’ language inspire and motivate people?
Could it be possible that the language and discourse of ‘zero’ is insidious and dangerous?
If I set a goal that is unachievable or perceived to be unachievable, do I really think people will give all their effort in pursuing it?
Does a high jumper improve by setting the bar at the world record height first up, or by setting the bar at a height that is just beyond reach then repeatedly trying until they achieve the small success of jumping over the bar, then moving slightly higher again?
If I do not believe in God, does this automatically mean I believe in the Devil? Similarly, if I do not believe in Zero Harm, does this mean I endorse harm?
Could it be that on the surface of things the mantra of ‘zero’ is naively badged as positive yet the by-products of such cultural discourse can be negative?
Is the language of ‘zero’ not only unconsciously priming workers to fail but creating a cultural discourse that counter-intuitively drives people away from the very things it desires?

These questions will be addressed in this paper.

Dr Rob Long

Expert in Social Psychology, Principal & Trainer at Human Dymensions

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PhD., MEd., MOH., BEd., BTh., Dip T., Dip Min., Cert IV TAA, MRMIA Rob is the founder of Human Dymensions and has extensive experience, qualifications and expertise across a range of sectors including government, education, corporate, industry and community sectors over 30 years. Rob has worked at all levels of the education and training sector including serving on various post graduate executive, post graduate supervision, post graduate course design and implementation programs.