What is blocking you from achieving the quality of life, both personally and professionally, that you desire? Did you already fail in sustaining your new year's resolutions for positive change? The majority of people who set resolutions have already given up on them by now. Many people don't even set them anymore. Change is difficult. Why give up on your dream when a way to really make it happen exists?
Do you want to learn how to more effectively achieve personal and professional growth? I share some insights in this blog, followed by more details in my upcoming one-hour webinar on February 13, 2016. Two main issues block our ability to create the life we desire.
First, each person or organization has a constraint, the factor which is most limiting the ability to achieve more of the goal. The constraint could be time, cash, management attention, market demand or not enough capacity of some resource, such as a person, machine or department. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) includes an effective process for identifying and leveraging the system's constraint, known as the five focusing steps or process of on-going improvement, to much more effectively achieve more goal units.
If the constraint is an individual's time, then we need to best utilize the current amount of time available most effectively. We should make sure to maintain a balanced life. In addition, we need to minimize bad multitasking, which is defined as switching between tasks unnecessarily. Bad multitasking wastes an incredible amount of our valuable time, while jeopardizing the quality of our work. We need to create a list of tasks with priorities based on the estimated impact of achieving our goal. We should then focus on working on a limited number of tasks in order of priority, while minimizing bad multitasking. Some tasks should be offloaded to others, while other tasks should be removed from our list temporarily or permanently. These changes will enable us to much more effectively achieve both personal and professional success.
The second main issue blocking our success is the core conflict, the one evaporating (conflict) cloud that is the root cause of all the undesirable effects that exist in our reality. Each person is struggling with one of nine generic core conflicts that exist for all individuals in this world. These nine types of core conflicts are based on the Enneagram personality types. Each organization and other types of systems, such as departments or functions, also have core conflicts. The TOC Thinking Processes (TP) provide a mechanism for identifying the core conflict and finding a way to break it in such a way that win-win is achieved for all.
The power of TOC is focus: doing what should be done (reliability) and NOT doing what should NOT be done (effectiveness). TOC was founded by Dr. Eli Goldratt (1947 - 2011) in order to achieve his life goal of teaching the world to think. The five focusing steps and thinking processes are powerful tools for enabling you to have a more meaningful life. To learn more, sign up for Dr. Lisa Anne Ferguson's webinar on February 13th titled "Achieving Personal and Professional Growth" via the link at www.illuminutopia.com/Events.aspx. I also recommend reading Eli's book, "The Choice," which is his expansion of TOC from management theory and applications into a philosophy of life.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Monday, September 1, 2014
Is it reasonable for us to continue to put our trust in the American healthcare system?
I am amazed by how my family, friends and others continue to put their trust in Western medicine (doctors, treatments and prescriptions) when the system so often does not result in them becoming healthier, let alone cured. Don't get me wrong. I acknowledge that part of the patients are healed or at least have a reasonable level of relief from the symptoms they were suffering from. However, many, if not most, people do not achieve the optimal level of health (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) they are capable of. People even die who could have been saved if they had been willing to just try an approach that is not commonly accepted practice in America.
Why should we continue to trust Western medicine when results aren't consistently being achieved? Repeating the same action and expecting different results is either insanity or stupidity (or both). I used to believe in Western medicine. I was even planning to go to an American medical school before I decided to take a different path. Why should we be so arrogant to think that the only or best way to heal is through Western medicine when we have global statistics proving that the health of Americans is worse than in many other countries? I am not suggesting that we should stop utilizing the services of Western medicine. What I do recommend is that we seriously consider alternatives when Western medicine is failing us as determined by logical evaluation of the results actually achieved. For example, were they able to accurately diagnose the illness and advise or implement a treatment plan that resulted in significantly improved health? Did their treatment lead to other negative consequences, such as bad side effects?
I know that in my case and in many others that the diagnoses from doctors differed for the exact same symptoms and that the treatment plan did not result in improved health, except for some slight alleviation of symptoms. I realized that too often doctors prescribe drugs which one has to continue to take (or even become addicted to) that do not result in a cure, let alone the ability to achieve optimal health.
It would also benefit us greatly if we actually did learn and apply what is needed to achieve optimal health. Why should we reject the knowledge and skills developed in other types of medicine which have been successfully applied in other countries for hundreds, if not thousands of years longer than American medicine even existed (which is just over 200 years old)?
A common belief is that it is necessary to implement a complicated solution to deal with what appears to be a sophisticated system - the human mind, body and spirit. While it is true that the human's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual system is complex, that doesn't mean that the cure needs to be. Perhaps, what is causing our health to deteriorate is a combination of the poor processed, non-organic diet many of us eat, non-nourishing mental food (negativities from TV, movies and the Internet), the inability to change our inferior programs that negatively affect our mental and emotional health, thus resulting in poor physical health, lack of exercise and good air, and exposure to harmful chemicals and noise in our environment.
Why do most American doctors ignore what is common practice in alternative medicine? Why don't they recommend the following? Instead of prescribing drugs in many cases, to first do frequent colonic cleanses using water to remove all the stored toxins from a poor diet trapped in the intestines and colon; changing the diet to be organic, macrobiotic and proper for one's blood type; having open windows at home to fill our lungs with fresh air; exercising daily by doing yoga stretches, weight training and cardiovascular exercise; keeping a uncluttered, clean home using natural products; being sure to nourish oneself with information and entertainment that teaches us new programs to upgrade our quality of life; and replace or delete one's inferior programs which are preventing our ability to have a more meaningful and happy life.
P.S. A quote from Jesus just came to my mind: "Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Did he mean that unless we become innocent, pure, loving, open to trying the new, playful and forgiving like young children are among each other that we cannot create heaven on earth? Our fears, distrust and skepticism have caused us to feel emotionally sick, causing separation between us. Our health and happiness are achieved when we experience the wholeness of being together as young children naturally are with their open hearts and minds.
Why should we continue to trust Western medicine when results aren't consistently being achieved? Repeating the same action and expecting different results is either insanity or stupidity (or both). I used to believe in Western medicine. I was even planning to go to an American medical school before I decided to take a different path. Why should we be so arrogant to think that the only or best way to heal is through Western medicine when we have global statistics proving that the health of Americans is worse than in many other countries? I am not suggesting that we should stop utilizing the services of Western medicine. What I do recommend is that we seriously consider alternatives when Western medicine is failing us as determined by logical evaluation of the results actually achieved. For example, were they able to accurately diagnose the illness and advise or implement a treatment plan that resulted in significantly improved health? Did their treatment lead to other negative consequences, such as bad side effects?
I know that in my case and in many others that the diagnoses from doctors differed for the exact same symptoms and that the treatment plan did not result in improved health, except for some slight alleviation of symptoms. I realized that too often doctors prescribe drugs which one has to continue to take (or even become addicted to) that do not result in a cure, let alone the ability to achieve optimal health.
It would also benefit us greatly if we actually did learn and apply what is needed to achieve optimal health. Why should we reject the knowledge and skills developed in other types of medicine which have been successfully applied in other countries for hundreds, if not thousands of years longer than American medicine even existed (which is just over 200 years old)?
A common belief is that it is necessary to implement a complicated solution to deal with what appears to be a sophisticated system - the human mind, body and spirit. While it is true that the human's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual system is complex, that doesn't mean that the cure needs to be. Perhaps, what is causing our health to deteriorate is a combination of the poor processed, non-organic diet many of us eat, non-nourishing mental food (negativities from TV, movies and the Internet), the inability to change our inferior programs that negatively affect our mental and emotional health, thus resulting in poor physical health, lack of exercise and good air, and exposure to harmful chemicals and noise in our environment.
Why do most American doctors ignore what is common practice in alternative medicine? Why don't they recommend the following? Instead of prescribing drugs in many cases, to first do frequent colonic cleanses using water to remove all the stored toxins from a poor diet trapped in the intestines and colon; changing the diet to be organic, macrobiotic and proper for one's blood type; having open windows at home to fill our lungs with fresh air; exercising daily by doing yoga stretches, weight training and cardiovascular exercise; keeping a uncluttered, clean home using natural products; being sure to nourish oneself with information and entertainment that teaches us new programs to upgrade our quality of life; and replace or delete one's inferior programs which are preventing our ability to have a more meaningful and happy life.
P.S. A quote from Jesus just came to my mind: "Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Did he mean that unless we become innocent, pure, loving, open to trying the new, playful and forgiving like young children are among each other that we cannot create heaven on earth? Our fears, distrust and skepticism have caused us to feel emotionally sick, causing separation between us. Our health and happiness are achieved when we experience the wholeness of being together as young children naturally are with their open hearts and minds.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
What's the difference between the ultimate egoist (selfish person) and the ultimate altruist (selfless one)?
Dr. Eli Goldratt once asked me what the difference is between the ultimate egoist and the ultimate altruist, such as Mother Teresa. I don't recall which example he used for the ultimate egoist; perhaps, Napoleon or Hitler may be an appropriate choice for our discussion.
His answer, after giving me time to think about it, was that there is no difference, since both types of people are focused on meeting their own needs. The reality is that how they do so is not the same. The ultimate egoist ensures that his/her needs are met before those of others, while the ultimate altruist meets the needs of others before those of oneself. In essence, Eli would have referred to them as 'different identicals,' a term he used to describe two things which are identical, yet different at the same time. He shared that term with me when he referenced the virtues of a human being. The virtues, such as honesty and integrity, are different parts of a human's face, yet each combines to make the whole, integrated face presenting the essence of one's character.
Since we had that discussion over six years ago, I have pondered this topic of discussion and its applications to my life and that of others. I concluded that altruism and egoism are two extremes on a continuum for how to meet one's needs, which are also opposites/polarities.
Which one is a better choice for how to live a more meaningful life?
My answer is neither. When someone is an altruist, they may believe that other people's needs are more important than their own. As a result, they tend to sacrifice their own health, wealth (abundance) and perhaps even happiness to ensure that others are taken care of.
On the other hand with an egoist, they may think that their needs are more important than those of the others or may not even care about the needs of others, even their loved ones. As a result, they may make choices which actually harm the health, wealth and happiness of others. A selfish person often is so focused on themselves that when they are upset that reality is not they want they want it to be, that they may yell, say mean words or even become manipulative, physically threatening or even abusive to get their way. In addition, they may not even truly listen to what you are saying you need even if your communication is clear, peaceful and to the point (concise so as to not waste their valuable time). (Note: I will be writing at least one blog on the subject of mental, emotional and physical abuse in the future.)
The best solution is for everyone to have their needs met. The only way for this to happen is with win-win for all. In other words, we now realize with the TOC evaporating cloud (conflict resolution) process that there is typically a common objective for both parties (individuals, groups, families, countries, etc.) that unites them, while each side has a need or set of specific needs to be met (which are somewhat generic overall in this world) in order for them to lead a meaningful life or be successful. For each party's need, there is a want or action that they believe is the best or only way in which to get their need(s) met. We realized (as did others outside of the TOC community now and in the past) that the way to ensure the best result for all is to ensure that the common objective and needs are met by challenging the assumptions underlying the choices for actions to meet the needs. We know that win-lose (aka compromise) in time always deteriorates to lose-lose for all.
Therefore, my conclusion was to focus on ensuring that my interactions with loved ones, colleagues and others is always focused on win-win. I make sure to identify what the real needs are for each party and follow a process as best I can to find a way to live and work together collaboratively to make the world (or at least our portion of it with ripple effects) a better place to live in - to light the way to utopia (an ideal society) here on Planet Earth, our Home.
His answer, after giving me time to think about it, was that there is no difference, since both types of people are focused on meeting their own needs. The reality is that how they do so is not the same. The ultimate egoist ensures that his/her needs are met before those of others, while the ultimate altruist meets the needs of others before those of oneself. In essence, Eli would have referred to them as 'different identicals,' a term he used to describe two things which are identical, yet different at the same time. He shared that term with me when he referenced the virtues of a human being. The virtues, such as honesty and integrity, are different parts of a human's face, yet each combines to make the whole, integrated face presenting the essence of one's character.
Since we had that discussion over six years ago, I have pondered this topic of discussion and its applications to my life and that of others. I concluded that altruism and egoism are two extremes on a continuum for how to meet one's needs, which are also opposites/polarities.
Which one is a better choice for how to live a more meaningful life?
My answer is neither. When someone is an altruist, they may believe that other people's needs are more important than their own. As a result, they tend to sacrifice their own health, wealth (abundance) and perhaps even happiness to ensure that others are taken care of.
On the other hand with an egoist, they may think that their needs are more important than those of the others or may not even care about the needs of others, even their loved ones. As a result, they may make choices which actually harm the health, wealth and happiness of others. A selfish person often is so focused on themselves that when they are upset that reality is not they want they want it to be, that they may yell, say mean words or even become manipulative, physically threatening or even abusive to get their way. In addition, they may not even truly listen to what you are saying you need even if your communication is clear, peaceful and to the point (concise so as to not waste their valuable time). (Note: I will be writing at least one blog on the subject of mental, emotional and physical abuse in the future.)
The best solution is for everyone to have their needs met. The only way for this to happen is with win-win for all. In other words, we now realize with the TOC evaporating cloud (conflict resolution) process that there is typically a common objective for both parties (individuals, groups, families, countries, etc.) that unites them, while each side has a need or set of specific needs to be met (which are somewhat generic overall in this world) in order for them to lead a meaningful life or be successful. For each party's need, there is a want or action that they believe is the best or only way in which to get their need(s) met. We realized (as did others outside of the TOC community now and in the past) that the way to ensure the best result for all is to ensure that the common objective and needs are met by challenging the assumptions underlying the choices for actions to meet the needs. We know that win-lose (aka compromise) in time always deteriorates to lose-lose for all.
Therefore, my conclusion was to focus on ensuring that my interactions with loved ones, colleagues and others is always focused on win-win. I make sure to identify what the real needs are for each party and follow a process as best I can to find a way to live and work together collaboratively to make the world (or at least our portion of it with ripple effects) a better place to live in - to light the way to utopia (an ideal society) here on Planet Earth, our Home.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Playing the game of Dodge'em with the potholes in the road
This winter weather has been particularly brutal for much of America. Here in Indianapolis, the weather has been even worse than the blizzard of '78, which I have fond recollections of sledding and playing in as an 11 year old. As an adult, dealing with this weather is not much fun. One has to prepare ahead by stocking up on supplies and deal with being cooped up at home for long periods of time since it was often too cold to go outside. It is especially hard for me because I love being active and in nature, hiking, walking or even sitting.
Another negative effect of this weather has been the tremendous number of bad potholes in the road spread all over the city. It is not easy to drive when we have the added burden of having to pay even greater attention than usual in order to dodge potholes as well. Otherwise, we may end up with damaged tires or even an axle.
This reminds me of a time when I was teaching doctoral students on the island of Jamaica about a decade ago. (Note: some of the best students I have ever taught were in Jamaica and India.) On one of my three trips there, I arrived a few days early to do some sightseeing. After having many experiences renting cars in various cities, I was quite surprised when for the first time ever I was shown where the spare tire and jack were. I felt it was a bad omen. Not long afterward, I understood why when I drove on the two-lane highways to traverse the island and drive around the coast. I was also playing dodge'em there; at times, I needed to cross into the other lane to avoid huge potholes. At one point, I was unable to avoid one, which resulted in a chunk being taken my tire that I ended up having to pay for. I was fortunate to not have to deal with a flat tire.
Later in the trip, I took a wrong turn due to a lack of good signage. Then, I realized how much worse the side roads were. I couldn't drive more than about 10 miles an hour because the roads were so bumpy. As I progressed around the coastal highway, I saw a sign stating that their tax dollars were at work. It made me wonder how they could make such a claim.
I know that the Indianapolis and Jamaican governments are/were probably trying to do their best to provide services. It is difficult to manage in a situation where funds are limited. Nevertheless, it is important to stay within a budget and make sure to use whatever funds are available in the best way possible to meet the needs in the country, city or county.
Another negative effect of this weather has been the tremendous number of bad potholes in the road spread all over the city. It is not easy to drive when we have the added burden of having to pay even greater attention than usual in order to dodge potholes as well. Otherwise, we may end up with damaged tires or even an axle.
This reminds me of a time when I was teaching doctoral students on the island of Jamaica about a decade ago. (Note: some of the best students I have ever taught were in Jamaica and India.) On one of my three trips there, I arrived a few days early to do some sightseeing. After having many experiences renting cars in various cities, I was quite surprised when for the first time ever I was shown where the spare tire and jack were. I felt it was a bad omen. Not long afterward, I understood why when I drove on the two-lane highways to traverse the island and drive around the coast. I was also playing dodge'em there; at times, I needed to cross into the other lane to avoid huge potholes. At one point, I was unable to avoid one, which resulted in a chunk being taken my tire that I ended up having to pay for. I was fortunate to not have to deal with a flat tire.
Later in the trip, I took a wrong turn due to a lack of good signage. Then, I realized how much worse the side roads were. I couldn't drive more than about 10 miles an hour because the roads were so bumpy. As I progressed around the coastal highway, I saw a sign stating that their tax dollars were at work. It made me wonder how they could make such a claim.
I know that the Indianapolis and Jamaican governments are/were probably trying to do their best to provide services. It is difficult to manage in a situation where funds are limited. Nevertheless, it is important to stay within a budget and make sure to use whatever funds are available in the best way possible to meet the needs in the country, city or county.
Friday, January 31, 2014
How can the 2014 Super Bowl become truly 'super'?
Football is a very popular sport in America with tremendous influence on society in both positive and negative ways. After watching many games over the past several years with my fiancé (someone is who is very knowledgeable in the sport, strategy, coaching people and fitness) and following some of the news about the players and sport, I have often wondered what could be done to make the sport truly 'super.' What could be changed to ensure that negative consequences do not continue to be a part of the game? (Note: I wrote my first blog on the Super Bowl about three years ago with the title "The Super Bowl - valuable lessons for life and business.")
In just two days, over 100 million people will be viewing the Super Bowl live in America to see if the Denver Broncos or Seattle Seahawks will become the champion. It is great that two of the top teams who have earned their spots in the Super Bowl are competing. Clearly, these teams have demonstrated great skills and strategies for winning their matches.
I am particularly impressed with the talent, perseverance and character of Peyton Manning, the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. The fact that he fought so hard to come back from devastating injuries caused intentionally by other player(s) is a tribute to his mental, emotional and physical discipline. He is, in my opinion (from what I know of him), someone to be admired. The same can't be said of some of the others in the NFL.
When I considered what led to other teams not ending up in the Super Bowl this year, I was once again dismayed with this sport. One of the cases that disturbed me had to do with the Indianapolis Colts during the playoffs. The comeback of the team, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, against the Kansas City Chiefs was phenomenal. The next game against the New England Patriots led to my dismay. When one of the other players appeared to intentionally trip Andrew Luck, I was upset about not only the unsportsmanlike behavior, but also the fact that the referee did not penalize the player (either due to lack of not seeing the behavior or choosing to ignore it). That behavior could have resulted in a negative impact on Luck mentally, emotionally and/or physically, thus causing the game to be lost in effect, which is what did happen. Anyone who cheats should be severely penalized.
It is my sincere hope that this Super Bowl will only include fair, sportsmanlike behavior and that the team that truly deserves to win due to skills, strategy and proper behavior is the champion. It would be great if the NFL actually had and properly enforced all the rules necessary to ensure proper behavior by effectively using video playback at ALL times to review ANY plays and possible infractions regarding the rules to punish those who misbehave, either intentionally or unintentionally. Why not learn from the World Cup about how video can be used to properly monitor the game for rulings about scores and penalties?
When the next football season starts, I would like to see that those who intentionally break the rules are properly penalized - that the punishment fit the crime. It is ridiculous that coaches and players who intentionally injured players on other teams be allowed to continue to be part of the NFL. In the world outside of the sport, those people would have (most likely) been found guilty of a crime, such as assault, for what they did. Just look at the cases of Tonya Harding and Lance Armstrong. They were both banned for life from their sports for their improper behavior. Why shouldn't the same penalty apply to those who break the most important rules in the NFL?
We need to teach children and adults what is important in life. Being someone of good character is what we should all aspire to. Having good health is also important. Making money is necessary for having a good life, but should not be achieved through sacrificing one's health or good character.
In just two days, over 100 million people will be viewing the Super Bowl live in America to see if the Denver Broncos or Seattle Seahawks will become the champion. It is great that two of the top teams who have earned their spots in the Super Bowl are competing. Clearly, these teams have demonstrated great skills and strategies for winning their matches.
I am particularly impressed with the talent, perseverance and character of Peyton Manning, the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. The fact that he fought so hard to come back from devastating injuries caused intentionally by other player(s) is a tribute to his mental, emotional and physical discipline. He is, in my opinion (from what I know of him), someone to be admired. The same can't be said of some of the others in the NFL.
When I considered what led to other teams not ending up in the Super Bowl this year, I was once again dismayed with this sport. One of the cases that disturbed me had to do with the Indianapolis Colts during the playoffs. The comeback of the team, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, against the Kansas City Chiefs was phenomenal. The next game against the New England Patriots led to my dismay. When one of the other players appeared to intentionally trip Andrew Luck, I was upset about not only the unsportsmanlike behavior, but also the fact that the referee did not penalize the player (either due to lack of not seeing the behavior or choosing to ignore it). That behavior could have resulted in a negative impact on Luck mentally, emotionally and/or physically, thus causing the game to be lost in effect, which is what did happen. Anyone who cheats should be severely penalized.
It is my sincere hope that this Super Bowl will only include fair, sportsmanlike behavior and that the team that truly deserves to win due to skills, strategy and proper behavior is the champion. It would be great if the NFL actually had and properly enforced all the rules necessary to ensure proper behavior by effectively using video playback at ALL times to review ANY plays and possible infractions regarding the rules to punish those who misbehave, either intentionally or unintentionally. Why not learn from the World Cup about how video can be used to properly monitor the game for rulings about scores and penalties?
When the next football season starts, I would like to see that those who intentionally break the rules are properly penalized - that the punishment fit the crime. It is ridiculous that coaches and players who intentionally injured players on other teams be allowed to continue to be part of the NFL. In the world outside of the sport, those people would have (most likely) been found guilty of a crime, such as assault, for what they did. Just look at the cases of Tonya Harding and Lance Armstrong. They were both banned for life from their sports for their improper behavior. Why shouldn't the same penalty apply to those who break the most important rules in the NFL?
We need to teach children and adults what is important in life. Being someone of good character is what we should all aspire to. Having good health is also important. Making money is necessary for having a good life, but should not be achieved through sacrificing one's health or good character.
Friday, November 22, 2013
When words are BOTH true and kind, they can IMPROVE the world!
Recent events caused me to start thinking about the following quote by Buddha:
"When words are both true and kind, they can change the world."
The quote is written on a beautiful hanging on the wall across from my desk. (It was a gift from an amazing friend and colleague of mine, Michelle Lebowitz-Goebel.)
I decided to change the quote in the subject line of my blog to provide more clarity on the brilliant insight of Buddha. I first emphasized in capital letters the word 'both' because it is important to realize that if you want to have a positive impact on the world, then you need to understand that there are two requirements for doing so.
First, you must speak KIND words to others. I am reminded of the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We can choose not to be hurt by others speaking meanly to us. However, when it comes to people we love, it may be very difficult to do so. It may even be nearly impossible.
Second, you must also choose to tell the TRUTH. But that doesn't mean you have to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We should choose instead to speak the truth in such a manner that reduces the chances of another person feeling hurt or upset or at least minimizes the level of pain they will feel.
For example, if someone asks you what you think of their work which you don't think is good, then you can respond by saying, "It is not bad." Imagine how their response would differ if you stated instead that it was "crap." Using that word would be mean, instead of being kind to the other person. You can also think about how you would feel if you had 'walked a mile in their moccasins.' In other words, you could try to imagine how you would feel if you had truly experienced their life. Would you rather hear that your work was not bad or crap?
It is especially important to follow this advice with the people you love. Why?
Because they are more sensitive to your words, especially if they deeply love you as well.
It is also important to realize that our thoughts are what lead us to choose our words or lack thereof. In other words, our thoughts create our reality. What you may not realize is that our thoughts actually hurt others even if we don't speak them. The thoughts actually become projections that negatively affect others. For example, those thoughts are presented through our body language. People can pick up on your thoughts and feelings in various ways. Basically, the cause-and-effect logic is that thoughts lead to feelings, thus resulting in our words and actions. Our feelings are what trigger our choices about words to say or not say and actions to take or not take.
"When words are both true and kind, they can change the world."
The quote is written on a beautiful hanging on the wall across from my desk. (It was a gift from an amazing friend and colleague of mine, Michelle Lebowitz-Goebel.)
I decided to change the quote in the subject line of my blog to provide more clarity on the brilliant insight of Buddha. I first emphasized in capital letters the word 'both' because it is important to realize that if you want to have a positive impact on the world, then you need to understand that there are two requirements for doing so.
First, you must speak KIND words to others. I am reminded of the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We can choose not to be hurt by others speaking meanly to us. However, when it comes to people we love, it may be very difficult to do so. It may even be nearly impossible.
Second, you must also choose to tell the TRUTH. But that doesn't mean you have to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We should choose instead to speak the truth in such a manner that reduces the chances of another person feeling hurt or upset or at least minimizes the level of pain they will feel.
For example, if someone asks you what you think of their work which you don't think is good, then you can respond by saying, "It is not bad." Imagine how their response would differ if you stated instead that it was "crap." Using that word would be mean, instead of being kind to the other person. You can also think about how you would feel if you had 'walked a mile in their moccasins.' In other words, you could try to imagine how you would feel if you had truly experienced their life. Would you rather hear that your work was not bad or crap?
It is especially important to follow this advice with the people you love. Why?
Because they are more sensitive to your words, especially if they deeply love you as well.
It is also important to realize that our thoughts are what lead us to choose our words or lack thereof. In other words, our thoughts create our reality. What you may not realize is that our thoughts actually hurt others even if we don't speak them. The thoughts actually become projections that negatively affect others. For example, those thoughts are presented through our body language. People can pick up on your thoughts and feelings in various ways. Basically, the cause-and-effect logic is that thoughts lead to feelings, thus resulting in our words and actions. Our feelings are what trigger our choices about words to say or not say and actions to take or not take.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
How NOT to dramatically improve a business: the case of a home goods retail chain
Some years ago, Dr. Eli Goldratt decided to give me a test based on a real case of what had happened in a large home goods retail chain.
Eli: "Executives at ABC retail chain decided to hire consultants to improve their company's performance in terms of inventory turns, and other related measures of performance. They evaluated a number of proposals for the project. In the end, they decided to hire several different companies and divide the work among those companies. Each company was responsible for improving one part of the supply chain. Prior to implementation, the inventory turnover was 2.2."
"Lisa, what do you think the inventory turns were after the implementation?" ...
Lisa: After briefly considering the scenario, I responded, "I don't think the inventory turnover improved much, if at all. As a matter of fact, I would predict that inventory turnover most likely worsened."
Eli: "After months of implementing the changes, the inventory turns had decreased to 1.9! Not surprising, eh?"
Well, if you are wondering why this was the end result of the implementation, feel free to comment in this blog. At some point in the future, I will write another blog to explain what happened and why.
Eli: "Executives at ABC retail chain decided to hire consultants to improve their company's performance in terms of inventory turns, and other related measures of performance. They evaluated a number of proposals for the project. In the end, they decided to hire several different companies and divide the work among those companies. Each company was responsible for improving one part of the supply chain. Prior to implementation, the inventory turnover was 2.2."
"Lisa, what do you think the inventory turns were after the implementation?" ...
Lisa: After briefly considering the scenario, I responded, "I don't think the inventory turnover improved much, if at all. As a matter of fact, I would predict that inventory turnover most likely worsened."
Eli: "After months of implementing the changes, the inventory turns had decreased to 1.9! Not surprising, eh?"
Well, if you are wondering why this was the end result of the implementation, feel free to comment in this blog. At some point in the future, I will write another blog to explain what happened and why.
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