Do This and You are Finished

Some of us can still hear it – our mother’s voice, reminding us to please remember to close the refrigerator door.  Every once in a while, not rarely, would we be told by our elders to commit to memory this simple house rule, “If you open it; close it.” When we were young this straightforward order meant that we were to the best of our abilities close any container, door, locker, cabinet or drawer that we opened. What was the principle behind this rule? Surely it was not about learning to be a specialist in closing refrigerator doors. It was definitely not about your mother wanting to simply practice her shouting voice. What we were being taught way back when we were kids was to learn how to end things well. We were being educated in the fine art of finishing things that we start.

Some of you may recall this nursery rhyme: When a task is once begun; you leave it not until it is done, be a matter great or small; you do it well or not at all.

At day’s end we will be rated not by what projects we begin but which assignments we finish.

We must decide to do a job well the moment we decide to begin it or not start it at all. To finish a job and finish it well is not be an easy charge to fulfill. There will be many days when you could follow this rule and yet display the wrong attitude. Part of maturity is learning to follow not just the letter of the law but the spirit of the law as well. When you emphasize the heart of this rule you open up an assembly of principles such as respect for others, courage, service, truth.

If you are leading an organization or a team you must continually challenge your members regarding the truth of their attitudes towards certain rules that have been set. They must know that a lack of fervor or concern should be addressed and discussed. Your team must know the principles for every rule you put forth in the company. If the principles are not clear and they see only the rules then your team is merely a boat on the water that is trying in vain to move forward. Explaining the purpose and making it plain and understandable is what puts wind behind the sails. Policy without purpose is like sailing without wind.

This requires a return voyage to the fundamentals. Go back to the basics.

Ask yourself, “If I do finish the job and do it well, where will it take me?”

Your mother wanted you to learn the principle behind the rule – if you open it, close it. Don’t do a job half-baked. Half-cooked or half-baked things leave a bad taste in the mouth. Things you leave unfinished have a way of haunting you. The worst part is that they sometimes come when you are least ready to face it.

Maybe it’s time to do a review of the things you have yet to put a right ending to. Do you have any unfinished business with your family? Are there any arguments that have been started that have not been resolved? Have you begun a project and left it halfway? A book you haven’t finished? A letter you haven’t sent? An unfinished painting left abandoned? Maybe an office task waiting to be checked off? It’s always good to remember – When you open it, close it. Have the attitude of a strong finisher!

We would like to partner with you in  working out how your team can see the principles behind the rules. Call Dada for more information regarding this.