“Hermes and his thinking about Society and Square Wheels®” is my AI-based summary of how organizations can improve performance.
As the Greek god of commerce, travel, and communication, Hermes would undoubtedly have a wealth of insights about the series of metaphorical Square Wheels images and their impact on workplaces, people and society. Known for his wit, cleverness, and ability to traverse boundaries, Hermes would likely approach this concept with a mix of amusement and profound wisdom and his views on how managers manage people would be pretty interesting. He would be a great workshop leader!
Let’s delve deeper into what Hermes might say about Square Wheels® images and their influence on societal functioning and your workplaces.
The Paradoxes of Square Wheels in the Workplace
Hermes, ever the trickster and lover of paradoxes, would look at modern workplaces and likely begin by highlighting the inherent contradictions made apparent in Square Wheels illustrations.
He might say, “Ah, Square Wheels! A delightful conundrum that perfectly encapsulates the human condition. At first glance, the situation seems absurd, impractical, and counterintuitive. Yet, like many aspects of mortal life, there’s more to this than meets the eye, and the image represents the mediocre workplaces of so many.”
Ah, Square Wheels!
• The Illusion of Efficiency – Why consider Change?
“These Square Wheels,” Hermes might muse, “represent the illusion of efficiency that often plagues mortal societies. Like a merchant who stubbornly clings to an outdated trading route, societies often hold onto practices and beliefs that no longer serve them well. The Square Wheel appears solid and dependable, much like tradition, but its very shape hinders smooth progress.”
Expanding on this theme, Hermes might add, “Mortals find comfort in the familiar, even when it causes them discomfort. The jolting, bumpy ride of Square Wheels might be unpleasant, but it’s a known reality. The prospect of change, of trying something new and potentially failing at that, often seems more daunting than enduring the discomfort of the status quo.”
• Resistance to Change – Our Biggest Fears Imagined
Hermes, as a god who embodies transition and change, would likely have much to say about the resistance to change of the Square Wheels reality.
“In many societies,” Hermes might observe, “tradition holds the weight of divine law. The Square Wheel becomes a symbol of ‘how things have always been done.’ Like a heavy stone tablet inscribed with ancient rules, it’s cumbersome and difficult to move, but people resist replacing it out of reverence for its age and perceived authority.”
Delving deeper, Hermes might point out, “The fear of the unknown is a powerful force in mortal hearts. Square Wheels, for all their inefficiency, are a known quantity. The path of innovation is uncertain and fraught with potential pitfalls and failures. Many would rather endure the discomfort they know than risk the uncertainties of change and its problems to each of us.”
And he would recognize that, “Replacing the Square with the Round also means that all of the measures and metrics of the existing systems monitoring one’s performance are now wide open to change, and who knows what those changes might bring?”
With his understanding of commerce and human nature, Hermes might add this about vested interests, “Let’s not forget those who profit from the status quo. In every society, there are individuals or groups who benefit from keeping the Square Wheels square. They might be the makers of the wheels, the repairers of the damage they cause, or simply those whose power and influence depend on the current system. These vested interests often resist change most fiercely.”
On mud and spectator sheep and making progress
• The Duality of Mud and the Reality of Spectator Sheep
“Ah, mud!” Hermes might exclaim with a mischievous glint in his eye. “A substance as complex and contradictory as mortals themselves. At once an obstacle and an opportunity, a nuisance and a necessity.. Mud can be a formidable foe to the wanderer as it clings to sandals, slows chariots, and turns simple paths into treacherous quagmires. Yet, like many challenges in life, it also teaches valuable lessons in perseverance and adaptability. And we might listen to those Spectator Sheep who see things from different perspectives.”
The Value of Disruptive Engagement and Thinking
Despite the challenges posed by Square Wheels, Hermes, in his role as a disruptor and bringer of change, would likely see value in their existence. Doing things the same way generates the same results and innovation will come from the edges of the organization, from the round wheels in the wagon and the thoughts and ideas of the people dissatisfied with how things are working.
“Square Wheels,” Hermes might argue, “serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation. When the pain of inefficiency becomes too great to bear, it spurs creative minds to action. It’s often the most absurd and challenging problems that give rise to the most brilliant solutions.”
Hermes might continue, “The very existence of Square Wheels forces people to question their assumptions. It’s easy to accept Round Wheels without thought – they simply work. But Square Wheels? Their very absurdity demands explanation and examination. This questioning spirit is crucial for societal growth and progress.”
• The Role of the Trickster – Try adding a Horse!
Drawing on his own nature as a trickster god, Hermes might add, “Sometimes, societies need a bit of mischief to shake things up. Square Wheels are a divine prank, challenging mortals to think outside the box – or in this case, outside the square. They remind people not to take things at face value and to always be ready to adapt. Maybe this trickster takes the shape of a Spectator Sheep, who may be trying to communicate that he sees things differently, or he adds a horse.”
Innovation is going to come from trying new things and observing how things really work.
Lessons for Society, some Key Ideas
Fresh eyes can often spot inefficiencies that those entrenched
in a system have become blind to.
Hermes, in his role as a guide and messenger, would likely offer several insights on how Square Wheels impact societal and the functioning of workplaces and organizations.
• Communication Challenges
“Square Wheels create a bumpy ride,” Hermes might observe, “much like poor communication in a business. When information doesn’t flow smoothly, when there are jarring stops and starts in the exchange of ideas, the entire society suffers. Clear, smooth channels of communication are essential for a well-functioning society. And just because it works does not mean that it works smoothly.”
• The Importance of Perspective
Hermes might point out, “From the ground, a Square Wheel’s flaws are obvious. But to the maker of Square Wheels, or to someone who has never seen anything different, they might seem perfectly normal. This teaches us the value of diverse perspectives in society. Fresh eyes can often spot inefficiencies that those entrenched in a system have become blind to.”
• Adaptability and Resilience
“A society that can function with Square Wheels,” Hermes might muse, “demonstrates remarkable adaptability and resilience. While it’s not ideal, this ability to make do with imperfect tools can be a strength. However, the true test of a society’s resilience is not just its ability to endure difficulty, but its capacity to innovate and improve when given the opportunity.”
• The Danger of Complacency
Warning against complacency, Hermes might say, “The greatest threat Square Wheels pose to a society is not their inefficiency, but the complacency they can breed. When people become accustomed to unnecessary difficulty, they may stop striving for better. A truly thriving society must always be seeking to smooth out its rough edges.”
“Square Wheels just represent continuous continuous un-improvement.”
quote by Dr. Scott Simmerman
Our Hidden Potential
Drawing on his ability to see hidden truths and possibilities, Hermes would likely emphasize the potential for positive change that Square Wheels represent.
• Opportunities in Disguise
“Often,” Hermes might reveal, “the Round Wheels a society needs already exist, like ideas waiting to be implemented. They might be hidden in plain sight, overlooked because they don’t fit the current paradigm. The challenge lies in recognizing and utilizing them.”
• The Seeds of Disruptive Revolution
With another twinkle in his eye, Hermes might add, “Square Wheels contain within them the seeds of their own revolution. Their very inefficiency creates the need and desire for change. In this way, the problem contains its own solution – a beautiful example of the cyclical nature of progress.”
• Learning from Friction
“The friction caused by Square Wheels,” Hermes might point out, “can be a powerful teacher. It highlights weak points in a system, shows where energy is being wasted, and indicates where improvements can be made. Wise societies learn from this friction rather than simply enduring it.”
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As a god strongly associated with boundaries and transitions, Hermes would likely stress the importance of finding balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation.
• The Value of History
“Even Square Wheels have their place in history,” Hermes might say. “They represent the journey of progress, the steps – even the missteps – that have led to current innovations. A society that completely discards its past loses valuable context and risks repeating old mistakes. But the wheels should be on public display in our museums, not everywhere on working wagons!”
Scott says, “The Round Wheels of Today are the Square Wheels of Tomorrow. This is all about continuous continuous improvement.”
• Incremental Change
Hermes might advise, “The shift from Square to Round Wheels need not happen overnight. Often, gradual changes – slowly rounding off the corners, so to speak – can be more effective and less disruptive than sudden, drastic overhauls.”
“In your rush to replace Square Wheels,” Hermes might caution, “be careful not to discard elements that are still useful. Perhaps the material of the Square Wheels is superior, even if the shape is not. Wise innovation builds upon the strengths of the past rather than blindly discarding everything that came before.”
Hermes’ Advice for Societies and Workplaces
Drawing from his diverse domains of influence, Hermes might offer this guidance for societies and workplaces dealing with their own versions of Square Wheels:
- Embrace change and question norms: “Don’t accept Square Wheels simply because wheels have always been square. Regularly examine your practices and beliefs to ensure they still serve you well.”
- Foster open communication: “Create smooth channels for your exchange of ideas. The solution to your Square Wheel problem often already exists within your group, waiting for the right ears to hear it.”
- Encourage innovation at all levels: “Don’t leave thinking to the ‘experts’ alone. Some of the best ideas come from those closest to the problem. A chariot driver may have more practical insights about wheels than an accountant.”
- Learn to let go: “Progress often requires releasing familiar but inefficient methods. This can be painful, but it’s necessary for growth. Honor your Square Wheels for the role they’ve played, then move forward.”
- Seek balance: “Understand that some ‘Square Wheels’ may have hidden benefits. Strive for a balance between preserving what works and innovating what doesn’t.”
- Cultivate diverse perspectives: “A society that welcomes diverse viewpoints is more likely to spot its own Square Wheels and find creative ways to round them out.”
- Embrace productive friction: “Don’t fear disagreement or disruption. Often, it’s the clash of ideas that sparks the most brilliant innovations. That broken wheel offers an opportunity to stop and reflect.”
- Stay adaptable: “The Round Wheels of Today will be the Square Wheels of Tomorrow. Cultivate a spirit of constant improvement and adaptability.”
- Look for hidden potential: “Often, the resources and ideas needed for positive change already exist within a society. Learn to recognize and nurture this hidden potential.”
- Remember the journey: “Even as you innovate, don’t forget the lessons learned from your Square Wheels. They are an important part of your story and your growth.”
Conclusion
In his final words on the matter, Hermes might say, “Square Wheels, in all their paradoxical glory, offer a profound metaphor for societal growth and change. They represent both the challenges that hinder progress and the opportunities that drive innovation. Like the constant motion of my winged sandals, the best solutions often come from thinking beyond conventional boundaries, from daring to challenge the status quo.”
“Remember,” he might conclude with a mischievous smile, “that even the most perfectly round wheel was once a revolutionary idea. Today’s Square Wheels are tomorrow’s relics in the museum of progress. So roll on, mortals, and may your journey be ever smoother, your wheels ever rounder, and your minds ever open to the delightful possibilities that await beyond the square.”
Hermes would also remind you that Square Wheels® is a registered trademark of Performance Management Company and that all of the illustrations remain the copyright of PMC, 1993 to 2025
IF you find the metaphor useful, connect with me to chat about ways we can work together to develop some tools for your trainers and even your managers. Supervisors facilitating discussions with their people on issues and opportunities are a really effective way to get things real, to impact engagement, innovation and motivation.
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For the FUN of It!
Dr. Scott Simmerman is a designer of team building games and organization improvement tools.
Managing Partner of Performance Management Company since 1984, he is an experienced presenter and consultant who is trying to retire!! He now lives in Cuenca, Ecuador.
You can reach Scott at scott@squarewheels.com
Learn more about Scott at his LinkedIn site.
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