TN50 #44, Stranded Capacity, 1 November 2021

Hi Team,

Happy Monday and welcome to The Next 50 #44.

What is stranded capacity?  “Stranded Capacity” is usually data center speak, read the definition below (my underline).

“Capacity is a term we often use to measure the available power, cooling, and space within a data center.  Stranded capacity is installed capacity (cooling, power, space) that cannot be used to support the critical load. When assessed individually each of these parameters (cooling, power, space) do little to depict the actual capacity of the data center. As each parameter is interrelated, they must be assessed as a whole to ensure a balance is maintained between each. Stranded capacity occurs when an imbalance occurs between the 3 parameters that restrict the overall power efficiency of the data center.” (From E+I Engineering Group Blog)

What if we are talking about a person?  Read my rewrite of the E+I Engineering Group Blog definition of stranded capacity below.

Capacity is a term we often use to discuss physical, mental and emotional power within a person, on my team we talk about all three being equal parts of human performance. Stranded capacity is specific capacity (physical, mental, emotional) that cannot be accessed to support the person.  When assessed individually each of these parameters (physical, mental, emotional) do little to depict the actual capacity of the person.  As each parameter is interrelated, they must be assessed as a whole to ensure a balance is maintained between each.  Stranded capacity occurs when an imbalance occurs between the 3 parameters that restrict the overall human performance of the person.

I am going to give you 3 definitions so you can start assessing yourself as if you are a data center, woops I mean, as if you are a person!

Physical Capacity – the ability to stand, walk, carry, throw, lift, sit, climb, run, kick, catch, hit, et cetera, as needed, through out a day.  This includes what you have to do and what you want to do, example work all day in an office and train for an Ironman.

Mental Capacity – the ability to think critically, understand concepts and solve problems, in your chosen fields of expertise throughout a day.  This may start at work as a CEO or Analyst but shift to other fields like, wife, dad, soccer coach, part time real estate mogul, et cetera.

Emotional Capacity – I’m going to take part of the American Heritage Dictionary (5th Edition) definition of emotional intelligence for this one.  “The ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of oneself.” Throughout an entire day in all the planned and unplanned situations.

I’m going to stop there for now and let you simmer on this question:

What is your personal “stranded capacity” profile and why?

I would love it if you shared your thoughts on this entry and please share this with your tribe or anyone who may need to assess their stranded capacity!

Have a good one, Alex

2022 Murph Count: 17

PS: Thanks to everyone who replied to last week’s request, I really appreciate it!