Preparing for Hurricanes!
09/23/03
C.K. Prahalad has a way with images: "There is an old Indian saying: It is the bamboo that bends in heavy winds that has another day to live. The trees that don't bend get uprooted."
In these days of typhoons, hurricanes and economic challenges, there is a lot of bending around the world that is going on just in an effort to survive. With bad weather approaching, people try to get their boats to safe harbor, board up their windows, and review escape plans. They do an assessment of what is worth saving and what is nonessential. In the good times, the junk and the unessentials seem to pile up around us--sapping resources, time and focus. There is nothing like a hurricane to get you focused on what counts. What and who are your essentials in your organization? What can you do without? What do you need to board up and secure that must be protected to recover once the hurricane has passed? Do you need to move any processes or projects to a safe harbor to insure their availability? Where can you bend without breaking? You may not have a hurricane to deal with, but it might be helpful to pretend you do! Preparing for one just may help you focus on what is really essential for your organization's survival and success.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"You may not have a hurricane to deal with, but it might be helpful to pretend you do! Preparing for one just may help you focus on what is really essential for your organization's survival and success." --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Today's mirthful moment comes from Laura McQuay via Robert Tucker via Marie Collins. In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods:
On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what)?
On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash)
On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)
On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." (I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)
On a Swedish chainsaw:"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...