WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall WRSP-551-D01 Professor Siddons
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [1-Nobody Does Not Worship]
Summary:
Worship is the continuous outpouring of all that I am, all that I do and all that I can ever
become in light of a chosen or choosing god. ( Best, 2003) Worship is so immpecable and
weapon against the enemy. We choose what we worship and give time to. “Worship may
ebb and flow, may take on various appearances and may be unconscious or conscious,
intense and ecstatic or quiet and commonplace, but it is con- tinuous. When we sin,
worship does not stop.”(Best, 2003) Worship is always in place and we should always give
God our worship. No matter what place we find ourselves in, we must alwaysgive God
our worship. “Being mastered means obedience, willing or otherwise; obedience means
service, willing or otherwise; and serving works its own changes in the servant. Even being
lukewarm is still outpouring.” (Best, 2003) God is still just and still receives our worship.
Analysis:
Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling
reason for maybe choosing some sort of god . Because even though you might never call
it worship, you can be absolutely sure you are worshiping and you are seeking. And Jesus
says, unless you’re worshiping me, unless I’m the center of your life, unless you’re trying
to get your spiritual thirst quenched through me and not through these other things,
unless you see that the solution must come inside rather than just pass by outside, then
whatever you worship will abandon you in the end. What are we choosing to worship
daily? I choose to worship Jesus Christ.
What I Have Learned:
We all worship in life. What we worship is another question.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [2-What is AuthenticWorship?]
Summary:
Authentic worship can only be in Christ. “Living by faith means worshiping by faith, and
worshiping by faith means living by faith.”(Best, 2003) The Bible states, “ God is Spirit,
and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Our worship
must flow from the heart and be sincre. Spirit and truth are to be as manifest in the
workplace, the home and the school as in the corporate assembly. There are not limits on
worship and it cannot be contained.Romans 12:1 (NASB) says this: “I urge you, brethren,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to
God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” We worship God by the way we live our
lives, treat others, react and our obedience. Because of hope, authentic worship has a
dimension to it that goes way beyond the blessing or the power or the effectiveness of
circumstance.
Analysis:
Our worship must be authentic.The Bible states, “ Worship the LORD in the beauty of
holiness” (Psalm 29:2) The beauty of holiness for a continuing worshiper is nothing less
than purity of heart, manifest in working out our salvation while knowing that God-
through-Christ is in us, working both to will and to do his good plea-sure.( Best, 2003) I
want my worship to be intnenional and holy going forth. This chapter gave me a different
perspective on authentic worship. Also, I love how worship can take place anywhere and
it can be secret.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned Living by faith means worshiping by faith, and worshiping by faith means
living by faith.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [3-Mutal Indwelling]
Summary:
Christ dwells in us as we dwell in him (intertwined) The Bible states, “in whom you
also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Epshesians
2:22) Christ in us; we in Christ; God in Christ as Christ is in us; the Spirit in us in Christ in us; Christ
all in all; we, all that we can possibly be in Christ.(Best, 2003) In Christ, we are members of one
another. We not only worship, serve and participate together, we do so at one with each other, even in
each other, even as we are commonly in Christ. Mutual indwelling continuously pours itself out, but
not in some mystically shapeless and random way. It is first of all authored, contained and then poured
out spiritually, in Christ. (Best, 2003)Mutual indwelling is both centripetal and centrifugal.
“Centripetally, the body of Christ avidly gathers truth; it welcomes and embraces the weak, the poor,
the broken, the wealthy, the famous; it takes on burdens and drinks in things that are lovely and of
good report.” (Best, 2003) “It is centrifugal as well. It goes out; it hunts down the lost; it scatters the
truth in witness; its feet are beautiful in the outpouring and outgoing spread of good tidings; it makes
its way into the world as living epistles; it goes to the ends of the earth as if they were just around the
corner.”( Best,, 2003)
Analysis:
We must dwell in Christ and he must dwell within us as well. This is vital being a
christain. “Mutual indwelling is effective only as we see each other in Christ, and seeing each other
in Christ is not effective until we understand that the only way our lives can make any sense to
others—even as we offend them or they us—is for them to see us in Christ.” (Best, 2003) The church
is a fellowship of mutually indwelling believers, members of one another. Finally, each member is a
temple, in which Christ comes to dwell as the hope of glory.( Best, 2003) God wants to dwell withus
individually. Our body is temple and we are the church. Christ should dwells in us and he longs to
dwells inside. Will we let him dwell fully in us?
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that Mutual indwelling is both centripetal and centrifugal.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [4- The corporate Gathering and Authentic Worship]
Summary:
If we gather together fully outpouring, then nothing taking place in the gathering can ever replace the
truth of Christ in us and God already with us. We must come together and expected God to move.
With our hands lifted up and out mouths filled with praise. The Bible states, “I appeal to you,
brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one
another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be
perfectly united in mind and thought.”( 1 corinthians 1:10) We were not created to live in
compartments. People belong together. We must own up to this fact about humanity even before we
consider the scriptural examples and instructions about Christians meeting together.(Best, 2003) The
corporate assembly is where love and mutual indwelling congregate; it is where believers have each
other within eye- and earshot, within kindly embrace
Analysis:
The Bible states,“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” ( Acts 2:42) Christ in us
demands that each of us seek out who the rest of us are. It means realizing that we actually have each
other, that we are already at one with each other, greeting each other, blessing each other, settling on
ac- ceptable ways to express ourselves to God’s glory. (Best, 2003) Coroporate worship is so
dynamic. When we all can come to worship God yokes will be destroyed. Deliverance,
healing, forgiveness and lives are forever changed. Also, we can lean on each other for
strength during this time.
What I Have Learned:
I have leanred corporate worship and prayer is vital, especially during this time.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [5-Worship and Witness]
Summary:
Worship and Wintess goes hand and hand. I firmly believe that the gospel is whole, that in its
wholeness it is for the whole of humanity and that becoming saved and continuing to be saved demand
that the entire message of God in Christ must dominate whatever topic or theme is being emphasized
at a particular time.(Best, 2003) The Bible states, “ And the lord said unto the servant, Go out
into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be
filled.” (Luke 14:23) Continuing worship pours out toward God, and continuing witness pours out
toward humankind as to the things of God. Our goal is to fill the house of God and win all souls. Our
worship is our witness to mainkind. How we live our lives will draw men to Christ.
Analysis:
This chapter really penetrated my heart. First and foremost, I want my life to be pleasing
unto Christ. Then, I want to win as many souls for Christ as I can. This has been a rough
two years but I’m proclaiming and declaring restoration in my life. Worship has been my
tool even during this trying season. Just as worship is a continuous outpouring of all that I am, all
that I do and all that I can ever become, so witness is both a general and a specific out-toward and
outpouring testimony that verifies this.(Best, 2003) Our lives/worship will and can be our witness and
testimony to other.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned Worship and Witness correlates.
Johnathon Stovall
WRSP 551
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [6-Worship, Praying and Preaching]
Summary:
I have chosen praying because, just as nobody does not worship, so nobody does not pray. Life is full
of prayers. Religions of all kinds thrive on prayers. In times of grief, loss and trauma, prayers break out
of mouths otherwise unused to praying.( Best, 2003) The Bible states, “ Rejoice always, pray
without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.” ( 1 Thessaloains 5:16) First, ceaseless prayer is a condition of perpetual spiritual readiness
in which specific praying of any duration is freely undertaken in the contin- ual now-and-then-ness of
God’s leading us to pray.(Best, 2003) To be instant in prayer is to be ready in prayer at any time and in
any place or cir- cumstance, at a moment’s notice. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy. The Bible
also states, somethigns only come by fasting and prayer. Prayer,Preahing and Worship all corealates
together. All are powerful tools and effective at all times/God pours himself out on anyone for whom
the articulation of truth is crucial and all-significant. The preacher is honored in preaching by this fact
alone. The power that may be manifest in author- itative preaching is there because God is interested in
validating his truth, in making sure that it is being preached accurately and intrusively.( Best, 2003)
Analysis:
I like to think of praying as a way of speech with the Lord based on the way he has spoken to us in his
Word. When we pray after the manner of his speaking, we cannot but pray aright. We will find ourselves
quoting God’s Word back directly to him and sometimes even debating with him on the basis of his
Word.(Best, 2003) Prayer is a vital part of everyone life. However, I disagree to a certain extent. I
witness to many people or have friends who proclaim to don’t know how to pray. They think it is a
certain way it should be done and certain words you should utter. I always tell them just sya whats on
your heart. You can pray anywhere, anytime and internally. God knows you heart and what you stand
in need of. I try not to put a heavy demand on how prayer should be prayed or what position you be in.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that in prayer I do quote God’s word back to him. I find myself doing that
a lot.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [7- CONTINUOUS OUTPOURING AND ARTISTIC ACTION]
Summary:
First, the arts cannot stand by themselves, at least not for the Christian. Being artisc is a God given gift
and talent. Christian artists, therefore, must understand from the start that their art, whatever its kind,
venue or quality, is as much an act of worship as is preaching the gospel. Knowing this first of all, be-
fore they pick up brush or chisel, is of supreme importance.( Best, 2003) Discovering your art through
Christ and making sure he is the orgin is essential.
The more Christian artists understand that artistic action is nothing other and noth- ing less
than pouring perfume on Jesus’ feet, the more they will be re- freshed and liberated in their
imagining and crafting. ( Best, 2003) But a Christian perspective on the arts must first of all be a
Christian perspective that applies equally to every aspect of life long before we examine any separate
aspect. (Best, 2003)
Analysis:
Making art Godward does not mean falsely spiritualizing it or even making it sacramental. It does not
mean that art takes on a different light or is ar- tistically better than an art piece made by a pagan. (
Best, 2003) I have a friend who is prophet. She makes prophetic paintings all the time. She is always
spriit led, when the spirit gives her something she paints the picture. However, she does forget the
giver and make sure her painting are in alignment and it symbolize something.
What I Have Learned:
I have leaner that making art Godward does not mean falsely spiritualizing it or even making it
sacramental
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [8- WHAT CREATIVE PEOPLE CAN LEARN FROM GOD’S CREATION]
Summary:
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God is creator. We are creative. Creating and creativity are not exclusively artistic words. They are
comprehensive words in that neither God nor we lack the twinned abilities of thinking something up
and making it.(Best, 2003) The Bible states, “ So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” ( Gensis 1:27)
1.What we call strange or abstract art may be closer to God’s way of creating.
2.With God, there is a difference between replication and continuation.
3.With God, there is a difference between replication and continuation.
4.God’s idea of quality is the same whether he makes something for quick or for long-lasting use.
5.God’s handiwork is not divided between doing great things for mag- nificent display and doing
average things for ordinary circumstances.
6.The Creator is not the creation, and the artist is not the art.
7.God is not especially interested in straight lines, perfect circles and geometric tidiness; his work is
more chaotic than symmetrical.
8.God has the jump on anyone who thinks that cultural diversity is the greatest thing since the
automobile.
.Analysis:
Creative people, then, should never see the end of the road, because a healthy creativity is like
everything else in a healthy life—it demands new- ness, change and growing excellence.(Best, 2003)
What can we learn from the way God imagines and makes, and how must we change our ways of
imagining and making because of what we observe. Everything God created has creative and a special
purpose. To find that purpose we must seek him and walk into our calling.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned change and evolving is apart of creative.
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
WRSP 551
Chapter [9- THE PECULIARITY OF MUSIC AND ITS UNIQUE ROLE]
Summary:
The human voice is the only musical instrument that God has directly created. By doing so, he has
provided equal access to music and singing for everybody. Song is the music of the human voice. Its
relation to speech is not only physiological, in that our vocal chords can produce both speech and
music, but also inflectional, in that any steadily sustained vocal sound is the same as a pitch.(Best,
2003) The Scriptures accord a special task to music making, especially singing. Among countless
references, two in particular deserve extended attention, as they sum up the rest. The Bible states,
“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise
his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his
marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.” ( Psalm 96:1-4) But back to basics: the human voice, given
over to Jesus, and found in company with other voices given over similarly, produces a dignified and
worthy song from storefront church to cat.
Analysis:
Singing is my instrument that I have been gifted with. I have a passion to spread the
gospel of Jesus through song. I thoroughly enjoy doing so and love been a blessing to
others. God has gifted many people with the ability to sing. Some singers are traind and
other singers are not trained. However, we all produce a unique sound that is a blessing to
many people. I love how creative and how thoughtful God is when creating. He is the
creator.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that the human voice is the only musical instrument that God has directly created.
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
WRSP 551
Chapter [10- THE ARTS IN CONTRAST]
Summary:
Some art forms use words alone (literature and poetry); some use words, gestures and deeds (the
dramatic and cine- matic arts); some utilize only stylized gestures that may or may not sug- gest an
outside meaning (dance and mime); others, while wordless and deedless, contain recognizable objects
(landscape and seascape art, ab- stract sculptures or ceramic objects and jewelry); some contain deeds
and gestures but are frozen in space (paintings, drawings and engravings of battles, family outings,
love scenes and the like). This chapter fcuses on the beauty of art and the different formats in come in.
In trying to make certain art forms speak the truth, we not only denigrate the power of the Word but
also weaken the art form itself.(Best, 2003).
Analysis:
Christians have a driving passion for the truth to be told at all costs. One of the most assuring facts
that they have is that the truth has already been told by God, who made sure that the Scriptures contain
everything we need to know about faith and practice.(Best, 2003) A picture can be interpreted in
vaiorus ways. However, before looking at art. I always pray and ask God clarity and understanding.
He always gives it and helps me when it comes to the art.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that art comes in various forms.
Johnathon Stovall
WRSP 551
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [11- “YOU SHALL NOT WORSHIP ME THIS WAY]
Summary:
Authentic worship is not perfect worship. It stands in continual need of examination, repentance,
increased depth and humility as well as outpouring meekness and humility. ( Best, 2003) Idolatry is
the chief enemy of the most fervently worshiping Christians, even to the extent that some of us may
end up worshiping worship.(Best, 2003) We can put demand or idolize anything. We must be careful
how much energy we put into things. There must be boundaries in everything. God must be the orgin
of it all. Beauty and quality can become idols.(Best, 2003)
Analysis:
Whenever we assume that art mediates God’s presence or causes him to be tangible, we have begun
the trek into idol territory.(Best, 2003) Mediating and praying is good but we have to put things in
their proper perspective. Being Holy Spirit led at all times is key.
We can easily make an idol out of the results we want our art to produce.(Best, 2003) Yes, trusting
God and believing God for your art but not putting a demand on it essential.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that We can easily make an idol out of the results we want our art to produce.
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [12- THE CULTURAL EXPANSE, PART 1]
Summary:
Culture is an interweaving of what people believe, what they think up and make, and how they work
through possible relationships and distinctions between believing and making. (Best, 2003) The Bible
states, “ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
WRSP 551
male and female he created them. (1 Genesis 1:27) Being created in the image of God, then,
gives us the urge to believe, the ability to think up and make, and the ability to decide how believing
in and making ultimately relate to each other. (Best, 2003) God has created us all beautifully and
wonderfully. He creation and exapnaison for creation goes beyond my wiledest dream. Once a culture
is transformed by Christ, its artistic dialects and pro- cesses can remain as they are even while bearing
new fruit.(Best, 2003)
Analysis:
Above all, we cannot forget that down through the ages and within countless cultures the church has
engaged in more kinds of thought and creativity and more kinds of art than any other body.(Best,
2003) I love love cultures are expanding and intertwining with each other. Things are constantly
expanding and evoliving. Once a culture is transformed by Christ, its artistic dialects and pro- cesses
can remain as they are even while bearing new fruit.( Best, 2003)
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that Once a culture is transformed by Christ, its artistic dialects and pro- cesses can
remain as they are even while bearing new fruit.
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [13- THE CULTURAL EXPANSE, PART 2]
Summary:
A true experience can be described in multiple ways and from different perspectives.(Best, 2003)
Mass culture is a culture that has lost this kind of love and respect for its language. It is a culture
marked by the demise of a reverence for words and for their careful placement within an idea and its
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articulation.(Best, 2003) The mass culture needs Jesus during this time. The mass culture has become
self-centered and idoilized. Jesus must be at the center of it all. God requires us to love and respect
each other.The Bible states, “If a man say, “I love God,” and hateth his brother, he is a liar.
For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen?” ( 1 John 4:20)
Analysis:
Self-enclosed shallowness and experientialism go hand in hand. This kind of shallowness is markedly
different from the shallowness of a bona fide popular culture or, for that matter, classical and ethnic
cultures.(Best, 2003) This chapter really focused on the ebbs and flows of cultural expanse. There are
many loop holes but this chapter provide recourses and tools to mend these issues.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that In an experientialist culture the usefulness of the arts is posited far more on how
they feel than on what they substantively are.
Johnathon Stovall
Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship Summary Analysis
Chapter [14- WHAT OF QUALITY?]
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Summary:
When quality is perceived to be present, both art and artist are vindicated. When it is thought absent,
agitation and scorn darken the discussion.( Best, 2003) Love is unconditional. Love loves everything
except evil. The love of neighbor takes in everything about that neighbor.(Best, 2003) The Bible
states, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
(Matthew 5:44) We must still give our best ( quality) when moving throughout life.
Analysis:
Excellence, the lifelong process of becoming better than I was yesterday, must be the normal
condition for the exercise of stewardship.(Best, 2003) The exercise of faith and the seeking of quality
also have more than one level. At a lower level, gifted and trained artists must trust and have faith in
the proven work of fellow artists down through the years.
What I Have Learned:
I have learned that Only what you do for Christ will last. So give him your best quality.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number
Summary:
[This is a double-spaced summary of the chapter in one or two paragraphs totaling about
75 words. It should represent the major principles presented by the author. This is not a
comprehensive study of the written material, just a short overview and summary.]
Analysis:
[This is a double-spaced analysis in one or two paragraphs, totaling about 75 words, of
what you think about the information presented in this chapter. It is also the place for
your objective observations, interpretations, and assessments of the chapter.]
What I Have Learned:
[This is a statement in 1 or 2 sentences that articulates what you have learned from this
chapter.]
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WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 1 [The Nondancers: How Anthropology Can Illuminate Silos]
Summary:
Human beings are naturally organized in the form of closely-knit units that are governed
by a common culture that is shared among them. However, this state is not temporary as
revealed in the Bearn nondancers narrative with the transformation being spontaneous
and seemingly permanent. The conversions lead to the development of clusters that
mainly comprise of the human make up. These clusters are collectively known as silos.
They are prominently explained by the way through which the brain understands
scenarios. “Thus if we visualize numbers as chunks of digits we retain them, but not if
they are a single unbroken series of numbers.” (Tett, 2016). Silos development depends
much on the anthropology of the people in a certain society.
Analysis:
Anthropology is highly imperative in the creation of silos that people often find
themselves engulfed into. This is influenced by the dominant culture and as time passes,
the culture is altered to suit the individuals’ choices. However, this happens in
subdivisions form. This phenomenon can be attributed to how the brain finds it easy to
replicate numbers that are clusters, unlike those that are in a nondescript form. This silo
effect can be positive or negative depending on the extent that shifts in culture causes to
the individuals who are present in a particular society or organization.
What I Have Learned:
Culture is highly impactful in the development of Silos in all facets of human life.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 2 [Octopus Pots: How Silos Crush Innovation]
Summary:
Silos can be massively detrimental to a company’s chances of making progress in regard
to innovation. Sony, before the Venetian Ballroom presentation in 1999, appears focused
and unidirectional in regard to the achievement of the company’s objectives. However,
this is short-lived as later on, the silos that are developed within the institution renders
innovation difficult. Lack of communication leads the company to develop a similar
version of the same device. “But now Sony was unveiling not one, but two different
digital Walkman products, each of which used different proprietary technology.” (Tett,
2016). Such a situation highlights the conflict that is existent within firms as a result of
the clustering that is dominant.
Analysis:
Innovation ought to be the driving force of success in most companies as it provides
yardsticks for measuring the progress that has been made over time. However, when the
silo effect is existent, innovation is hampered and the effects can be massive to the extent
that a company crushes in an inhouse manner. Departments and branches that ought to
work as a unit are rendered as distinct divisions that are in some form of competition with
each seeking to out marvel the other. The result is a sort of confusion, which in the end,
crushes seamless and positive innovation and this is largely impactful to the fortunes of
the company.
What I Have Learned:
The silo effect, if not controlled effectively, can cause significant damage to the
performance of a company through curtailing innovation.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 3 [When Gnomes Go Blind: How Silos Conceal Risks]
Summary:
The silo effect can also be harmful to companies to the extent that they become ignorant
to the apparent risks that are potential threats to success. Often companies garner
reputations over time that describe them even to the outside world. These reputations are
in most cases worthy as they are a result of hard work and the existence of strong
principles that are intended to create a niche in the market. However, this is also harmful
if not well checked as companies can at times ignore the apparent risks as a result of the
overconfidence in the set systems. “In reality, the biggest losers in a financial crisis are
not those who have exposed themselves to major risks with their eyes wide open, but
rather the ones who believed [they had] their affairs well under control.” (Tett, 2016).
This harmful case of the silo effect is explained by the state at which UBS Bank found
itself into when it thought that it was all-powerful in getting things in place only to realize
that the assumption worked to its detriment.
Analysis:
Particularly, the silo effect results in the creation of a form of power subconsciously to an
organization and this is usually a result of effecting tried and tested techniques that are in
most cases successful. When this happens, the organization enters into a comfort zone
and banks on its reputation and culture as a critical tool of realizing success. This
overconfidence brews negligence and with time, it is showcased outwardly by results that
can at times be immensely disastrous.
What I Have Learned: The Silo Effect is not positive in entirety. It leads to
overconfidence that in turn develops to ignorance of critical aspects such as risk
assessment and this exposes the company.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 4 [Russian Dolls: How Silos Create Tunnel Vision]
Summary:
Silos dim the vision of the supposedly brilliant individuals who are key drivers of major
companies causing them to exhibit a behavior that is highly doubtable. They create a
sense of security and this is harmful as it leads to the development of a single vision that
shuts away from some of the other dominant forces whose effects are as important as the
one in question. “it was rather that they had been looking in the wrong places, at the
wrong time.” (Tett, 2016). This blinding effect is as well highly destructive as it was the
case with the London School of Economics. Focusing on one perspective when in reality
the influencing factors are numerous is an aspect that can pose a serious crisis, especially
if the silo effect is not identified early.
Analysis:
Companies ought to be aware of the various aspects that are critical for continued
productivity. Fundamentally, getting a firm to a point where it is highly productive is not
a simple process as it entails undergoing massive tests that only a few are capable of
withstanding. This is also the case for institutions that are not necessarily business-
minded. However, with time, the vision is forgotten as companies and institutions
become enslaved to the reputation causing them to ignore critical areas of concern and
the result is the occurrence of massive losses.
What I Have Learned:
The silo effect also leads to the loss of the company’s vision and mission as focus shrinks
to shun away many of the critical perspectives in favor of a few ones that are seemingly
important than the rest.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 5 [Gun-Toting Geeks: How Individuals Can Silo-Bust Their Lives]
Summary:
Silos profile individuals as parts of some bigger unit that becomes part of the person.
Therefore, describing him/her becomes impossible without the association with the
organization. This is especially common when one is viewed as an expert in a particular
field and seeking a way out is seen as a breakaway from the very self that perfectly
defines his purpose. Coming out and fighting off the categorization on particular grounds
is a bold step that one should undertake lest they find themselves enslaved to a calling
that is unworthy of their time.
Analysis:
The silo effect should be overcome especially in a case where it seeks to categorize an
individual as one direction when in reality, an adventure in other areas can realize other
benefits. When one is an expert in one case, it does not mean that performance in other
fronts is impossible. It could be that the categorization has blocked the individual from
realizing his initial calling and this can be overcome through breaking away from the
norm. this way, the negative effects of the silo effect can be suppressed immensely
leaving out only the positive aspect that is helpful to the individual.
What I Have Learned:
The silo effect can be overcome when the individual seeks to overcome the profiling and
in turn, adopt a new self that will lead to further elaboration of his strengths.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 6 [Re (writing Social Code): How to Keep Silos Fluid]
Summary:
Silos are devastating to the company as it was the case with Sony when
miscommunication between the different segmentations of the firm lead to the
development of competing products that threatened the unity of approaching the market
as a single entity. On that note, some companies are wary of the negative impacts of silos,
and this fuels the development of a culture that encourages an open way of doing things
that is different from the segmented decision making that is predominant in silos. “The
silos and bureaucratic structures that had undermined Sony did not seem to exist inside
Facebook, or not as far as Goldfein could see.” (Tett, 2016). Companies strive to break
off from silos because their effects are massively destructive as they crush the whole
essence of bringing people together to work for a common cause.
Analysis:
The mistakes that were done in Sony resulted from the segmentation between the
employees of the different departments. Such an effect is capable of occurring in any
company and this is why Facebook found it important to set up itself differently. Through
the initial ‘Boot Camp’ training, employees are able to become eased through the
operations of the firm slowly. This cultures learning and also enables the acclimatization
to the new company environment. The silo mentality is also broken through this training
as all the new employees, irrespective of their ranks are encouraged to work as a unit.
What I Have Learned:
In the same manner that it is possible to eliminate the silo effect in individuals,
companies can also achieve similar results when guiding strategies are set up.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 7 [Flipping the Lens: How Doctors Tried Not to Behave Like
Economists]
Summary:
The categorization that is dominant in the business field is also present in other areas
such as medicine. Fundamentally, a medical doctor is tasked with overseeing the
wellbeing of the patients by diagnosis and administration of medications. However, this
is not fundamentally the key essence of medicine. To the patients, a doctor is responsible
for delivering relief from the pain that is caused by a body malfunctioning. “But was this
what sick people really wanted?”. (Tett, 2016). Doctors who are unable to incorporate
this perspective of empathizing with patients are incapable of satisfactorily fulfilling the
demands of the sick.
Analysis:
The silo effect prompts people to behave as robots whose functions are limited to the
small scope that they are called for. For instance, a medical doctor is a specialist whose
cardinal role is to treat patients. However, it is undeniable that this silo effect prevents the
doctor from engaging in other activities that are equally significant in aiding the patient’s
wellbeing. Issues such as empathizing with the patient are not instilled in the doctors and
this creates a silo effect that prevents effective practice.
What I Have Learned:
Professionals can become slaves of silo effects leading to tarnishing of reputations
despite their massive knowhow of the main art of practice.
WRSP 551
Johnathon Stovall
Gillian Tett, The Silo Effect Summary Analysis
Chapter Number 8 [Bucket-Busting: How Breaking Down Silos Can Produce Profits]
Summary:
Silos can be exploited to become profitable for the company if a precise investigation is
conducted in the market to take advantage of the gaps that they create. Silos are not bad
ideas in entirety and some companies such as BlueMountain have in the past used them
to their advantage. “They were also fascinated by silos…” (Tett, 206). Similarly, other
firms can analyze the silos that are existent in the prevailing market and use that
perspective to their advantage in designing strategies that position the company in a
manner that overcomes the challenges of operating in a silo-dominated environment.
Analysis:
Silos should not be viewed as impediments to developments and success for companies.
In situations where their existence is assured, one of the means of overcoming their effect
is by studying their patterns and the gaps that they leave. When they are highly profound,
the institution can take advantage of such a situation and develop measures that exploit
the gaps. Silos have a significant effect on shifting the prices and this affects how the
companies operate. For example in the case of Sony, a competitor who studied the impact
of the company’s destructive silo effect could have massively reaped.
What I Have Learned:
Silos are not harmful in entirety and their existence can be used as a key driver in
companies that are aware of the significance of the gaps that they present.
