My husband's mouth was swollen for weeks. A simple extraction turned into a nightmare. 
He was given anti-infection medications too late.

This shouldn't have happened if the dentist was more proactive in prevention strategies and not have the wait-and-see attitude towards the treatment.

Opposite to that was my case last year. My surgeon was very diligent with all medications, prior to, during, and after the treatment. 

She was on top of all the precautionary measures to ensure that post-treatment issues, if these do come up were dealt before the onset. 

Some solutions are way too late if the thinking is always, a 'wait-and-see', especially in areas where issues have a high rate of emergence even with the best of techniques and systems.

Outside the medical realm of life and death, organizations, small or large, should be reminded that there are issues that can be prevented such as huge repairs that can be dealt through maintenance checks, due diligence for high-risks transactions and engagements, including public image/repute, and those issues related to accountability can be handled through policy implementation and on-going supports. Keep your finances in good form and your people centred and engaged on your mission.
 
Some problems such as the fire in Los Angeles are not problems that just came out of the blue. It took years for these vulnerabilities and weaknesses to fester and eat the whole system until a massive conflagration erupts can't be stopped by just mere firefighting. 

For the purpose-centric organizations, a small disaster can end your organizational life. 

Don't wait for the shit to be blow up on your face. Keep your ship in tiptop shape everyday. 

Prevention is always less expensive and trauma-free in the long run, too. 

There are sacred cows in many purpose-driven organizations.

it can be a personnel, a Board Member, a funder, a practice/framework, an over-staying product, a founder's mantra, or a habit.

All of these can be sacred cows- never questioned, continued to exist and proliferate despite its obsolescence/irrelevancy and sometimes exaggerated, larger-than-life value.

You can't touch it, complain about it, or suggest an alternative route/option/offering. The employees would point up (ceiling) saying, something like, "Word from Management."

Just follow or resign. 

Who is the management? Who is the boss? Board of Directors. The Executive Director. The Management Council. 

When there are sacred cows, it means that the organization has lost it adaptability and relies on tradition, dogma, and unfounded beliefs, usually not based on any thing factual and evidence-based. 

There's a place for tradition in building high-performing cultures in organizations. Cultures that are deeply rooted in values. For tradition's sake, continuity (some may say), or laziness, people revert to 'whatever been around for a long time' and seldom ask why.

Tradition without relevance is fanaticism.

In many societies, sacred cows roam the street unhindered.

But in organizations, too many roaming unhindered sacred cows can cause a massive catastrophe.

You don't want that. Ask, listen, evaluate. Rinse and Repeat 

​




​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?