I would argue that some things last forever.

I inherited my grandma's electric beater which she got in 1957.

It'svintage.

I broke the lever one time when it crashed to the floor.

It survived the crash but I can still use it.

We have another newer electric beater here.

After a few years, it quit and that was the end of it.

Not the planned obsolescence of phones, electric gadgets, and modern appliances.

Back home (in the Philippines), every thing (including umbrellas, shoes, etc.) can be fixed.

A whole business is built on fixing anything at an affordable price, meaning it's cheaper to fix than to buy a new one.

This has been going on for years, until we got inundated by a wave of Chinese products, which were dumped in the market for a bargain.

Now, the fixing business is almost gone, except for the bigger players that have branches all over the country and can afford to stay afloat with other services being offered.

The poor has always resulted in the do-it-yourself mechanism which has a whole new market for them. The rich is satiated with the latest fashion, trends, and accoutrements. 

Needless to say, we cherish those things that are built to last.

It's a rarity now and so we marvel at the care that it took to build something that lasts.

What are you building right now that would stand the test of time, the wear-and-tear, and the all the hypes and flavors-of-the-month? 

If my grandma's electric beater's longevity is a proof that some things do not fade away but becomes evergreen,  I bet you can do more than that. 

If organizations want to tackle their big issues they shouldn't major on minors.

What color should the chairs  be and how office layout should look?

What summer staff events should look and to have this year?

What flowers and vases to choose from for the milestone celebration?

What pronouns to use in an airline where safety rules and attention to customer service are more paramount?

What venue and comforts can we provide at a planning retreat? 

So on and so forth.

They can contribute to a successful team spirit, positive work environment, and overall good hospitality and welcoming, but to put so much debate, consultation, and energy on picking the right color, theme, and decorations is an overkill and misguided.

As in many weddings, the bride and groom and families of both spend way more time with the wedding event, than the actual relationship-building elements such as building trust and loyalty, communication skills, handling conflict and disagreements, finances, decisions about children, and so on and so forth. The list by the way is not exhaustive.

Take the same way you treat virtual signalling these days. No amount of bust throwing of Queen Victoria or other queens could help disappear bigotry, discrimination, and racism, it could even fuel more hate from those fence-sitters and observers. Hatred has become a go-to feeling nowadays without a deep reason or justification for it.

Minor issues in the organization tend to attract those who wanted to get fame, popularity, a certain kind of reputation for sticking their noses out for anything, and other low performers. It's because they lack power to engage in serious but more important conversations about employee engagement, releasing recognition and employee freedom, right compensation and promotions, and getting heard. They have to be in control of the small things at their level to feel a certain kind of power. For example, the front liners who are mean to customers do so because they can't shout and scream at their bosses/supervisors for the lousy conditions they are under. They vent it out through their jobs by doing little sabotages, insubordination, and petty quarrels with their peers, etc. 

You can't focus on the major issues if you're constantly battling minor league problems in your turf. An event is an event, but most organizational vitality issues are processes. So then focus on the process or processes and then you won't ever feel that you have squandered your precious time, energy, and resources on a good-to-have rabbit holes. 

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​I had a surgery a few weeks ago and before that I had to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, and relationally (family + household) for this event and its aftermath.

The week prior was a whirlwind of activities from cleaning the house, doing laundry, preparing soup and comfort foods for myself and for my family during convalescence.

A few weeks prior, I was in touch with the head nurse and my surgeon for the questions I have, pre, during, and post-surgery/recovery issues. I have been in contact with an FB group to get a specific sense of the medical things that can come up in the process. 

Emotionally, I have prepared myself from this event by strengthening my spirit and resolve and making affirmations that align with my faith. I have prepared my husband to take on the tasks for several days and at least 2-3 weeks as I recuperate. I discussed the same with my daughter but she seemed to be a bit sad that she will be staying over her grandparent's house for a few days that I will be in the hospital.

Well, it all turned out fine. 

My surgeon, the cast of nurses, two anesthesiologists did an excellent work.

I am now recovering well and looking forward to fully be in motion in the next few weeks. 

My daughter had a blast at her grandparents' house and wanted to do more stay-overs.

My dutiful husband had been unwavering in his support and his leadership in the kitchen, buying groceries, and doing things in the house during this time.

A lot of my friends and family members have prayed for me and they are still praying for a speedy recovery.

I feel better everyday but I wanted to take it easy as I know that healing is a process. 

My preparedness has made me feel more in control of this event and less fearful and anxious. 

I managed the risks by doing research, asking questions, and seeking guidance from those that can help in their profession and with experience.

I am fully convinced that preparedness whether in our personal lives and in our organizations is the best defense against risks, onslaught of shocks and stresses, and negative events/consequences. 

We live in turbulent times. We can't just rely on our doctors, nurses, lawyers, politicians, and even our CEOs and Board to shield us from the threats and risks that are likely and that have important consequences on our lives/organizations.

Learn to advocate for your own well-being, health, security, sense of justice and fairness, and for those that can't.

​If not you then who?