Human problems

I love the perception that all technical problems are really human problems at their core. How true. If we could truly dig the very start of a problem, how often would we find a human error or problem? And if we were to find and correct each "human problem", how much less would "technical" ones occur? After listening to Eric Ries talk about his "Five Whys", I would like to set a goal for myself (my future self) to be the kind of manager/business owner that doesn't just deal with the immediate problems but seeks to find the underlying human element to it. I want to acknowledge every level of my company and those people that keep it going, or slow it down. To work this way, is similar to a doctor diagnosing a disease opposed to just treating  and catering to symptoms. I also think that this type of system would really make myself and employees responsible for their actions. If they, or I, are not preforming duties well enough then we can diagnose and seek to fix that. I hope I can continue to learn new and better ways to manage a business and the people who are so needed for its survival.

Habits

          It is hard for me to choose just one habit among the all important seven which will be of most use to me in the future. They each seem to need each other. And in a world where there is SO many ideas, habits, and information, Covey has narrowed it down to only seven.
          I like the concept of win/win. Especially in business it can be made to seem that if we want to be successful, you must beat out others. What a game changing concept, that to reach our goals we should help others to feel good and "win" as well. Our employees can win, our partners can win, our customers can win and even other business can win if we have the right attitude. This particular attribute reminds me of how the Savior would conduct a business. And if I can feel that the savior would approve of my business plan and conduct, then it is full steam ahead in my eyes.
         Another habit which could have heavenly attributes would be to begin with the end in mind. When I think of this, I think of having an eternal perspective. Can we see where we want to be, are we heading down that path? Not only in our personal life but in our business dealings. I want to be able to forego the instant gratification of the now and see the big picture.

As short and sweet as it was, I really felt moved by Jan Newmans talk. I definitely fall into the category of people who think that I will be successful and use that success to build the Lords kingdom. Newman helped me to see that it's the seemingly smaller acts like being a home or visiting teacher that really count. By doing these things we show the Lord who's side we're on. Not to say that we shouldn't strive for success in business, but we can realize that it isn't the most important thing, or even the second most important thing. Our spouse, our family, and most importantly the Lord are of the highest value as they are the only things that matter eternally. One of my favorite quotes from M. Russell Ballard  says, "What

matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity." I want to remember to always be willing to take a calling extended to me, be a valiant visiting teacher, and to never "crunch" my family in pursuit of worldly aspirations. 

Already from hearing this talk, I was reminded to check up on some woman in my ward and help them out. And when my daughter came asking if I could lay with her, I was able to walk away from my compute and schoolwork and do just that. So grateful to have an eternal perspective!

Hero's Journey

After watching "A Hero's Journey", I was left reflecting on the key questions that those people interviewed over 65 deemed important near the end of life. Who did I love? I can only hope that at the end of life I can say with confidence that I loved my family, my husband, my children and that they knew it. Who loved me? As much as I hope that my family feels of my love, I can only hope that I have lived in a way to deserve their love as well. We may be sealed together forever, but I want them to want to be with me forever as well. Was I a good person? I hope I can be remembered as someone willing to easily give service, someone honest, trustworthy and full of integrity.

"It's not about you, it's all about you", I know that I have gifts and talents that if focused. could help others. I want to figure out what comes easy to me. I liked the idea of asking other people what our gifts are, as others will notice things about us that we don't or that we take for granted. This would be a valuable insight to getting me one step closer to my "calling".