The Measure of Work

"It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours."

Sam Ewing
Retired Professional Baseball Player

Probably a good summary of the difference between the way most management and most employees see the role of labor.

Which matters most; the number of hours or the results of those hours of work?

If management says results, why do they pay based on hours?

Do You Have Any Questions?

"He who would not be frustrate of his hope to write well hereafter in laudable things ought himself to be a true poem."

John Milton
17th century English poet

Mr. Milton is a recognized poetic genius.

I am not.

Moreover the language he uses in this statement may well have been very clear to his contemporaries some 400 years ago.

But maybe not.

It's not to me and I think this may be one time he got just a bit balled up, his meaning taking a backseat to choice of words.

In business, when goaling not the word but the thought, take care to not obfuscate, intentionally or otherwise, upon pain of not more but less being heard as is spoke.

I think you know what I mean (and yes I know, two dogs in two days.)

Doing With What You've Got

"Not being beautiful forced me to develop my inner resources."

Golda Meir
Ex Israeli Prime Minister

Have you ever seen a three legged dog get around as well if not better than some with four legs?

They do because they don't understand the assumptions we thinking beings make about them. That they can't because they don't have the resources to do what four legged dogs can do.

Do you feel as though you're working in a three legged company?

Knowing When It's Time

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending."

Lazurus Long
Philosopher

Let me paraphrase a possible explanation of why that is true. You need to know when to quit so you are free to begin.

No sun rises without sun sets.

Know More, Assume Less

"Get the facts or the facts will get you."

Dr. Thomas Fuller
17th century English Physician

And note well the difference between facts and assumed facts.

Most decisions are based on the latter, less on the former.