I know a little something about nervous breakdowns. It's been a common thread in my family for generations. It seems to stem from anxiety disorders and depression. As I talk to people, in an out of my family, I'm shocked at the numbers. Its incredible how many people have been to the doctor and are on some sort of anti-depressant. The story tends to go something like this:
• Really struggling emotionally
• Went to the Doctor
• Got some medication
• Still struggling, but not as much
I've been on the meds too. I know how it goes. My dosages had to be increased pretty dramatically because it didn't seem to help. In fact, I thought it was getting worse.
I read up a lot on the subject and had some very dear friends who encouraged me. I started working toward healing...in my own way.
Now, I need to say this. If you're struggling and on meds, I am not saying to get off the meds. That's something between you, God, and your doctor. Also, because you're on meds, it's probably wise to make sure you include spouses, friends, and family is the decisions. I also need to point out that I am not suggesting that every person on meds is wrong. Not so. Some people needs meds to control their blood pressure, some to control their emotions. I hope I'm clear on that.
What I found was that there were some basic things that I needed to do in order control my emotions. First one....stop drinking caffeine. I quit caffeine for many years and now only drink it in moderation. I couldn't believe the difference it made. But I still needed more.
I stopped watching television. In part because during this time I was too broke to buy one (that made that decision easy!). But what a difference it made. I find that now, if I start watching it for any length of time I tend to start getting anxious and afraid. Sometimes just really down.
I stopped gaming. I was never a hard-core gamer, but I stopped playing games as a rule. I was waking up with nightmares at night; sweating, shaking, the whole bit. I was aggressive. When I stopped, I calmed down. The nightmares got better....much better.
I started forcing myself into quiet time. I turned my radio off when going to work. Left the job during lunch and just sat at a park, read, or wrote. I sometimes just sat in my car and was quiet. I tried to let God speak to me….in His own quiet way. I started asking God what He wanted from me.
One thing you won't typically find from me is a formula for success. Things that work for you don't work for me. I understand that. But I believe there is a theme in all this; simplicity.
When you read about people in the past, you don't see nearly the evidence of anxiety and depression that you see today. Now, so I don't get accused of waxing nostalgic and looking for a Golden Era, the statistics show higher incidents of anxiety and depression in the last decade than ever before, especially among the teenage crowd. Yet what I hear time and time again from people is that they went to the doctor and got meds.
That's just not enough.
I think if people are helped to simplify their minds and their lives they find much peace. Even among Christians it's amazing how many cannot find peace. Yet wasn't it Jesus who offers us an easy yoke and a light burden? Joy over-flowing?
Too many times we look to a cure instead of to a change. I sat down for lunch one day with a work associate. We sat down and he took a pill. He explained that his cholesterol was high and he was taking meds. He didn't know why it was so high. Then he ordered a Philly steak and cheese...extra cheese.
While I don't doubt that his high blood pressure was inherited, I have to believe he wasn't helping by ordering the Philly steak and cheese. I's funny how almost all solutions today end with a pill, or a quick fix, and not with change. It's like the recent meeting in Copenhagen. Fossil fuel emissions are polluting the environment at an alarming rate causing many to speculate on Global Warming. They talked about curbing emissions ($), nuclear energy ($), alternative energies ($), and installing technology to block the suns rays ($$$). Yet I don't hear too many people at that level talking about driving less, walking more, or riding our bikes. That's out of the question. They need to use money to drive solutions that don't require a change to our day to day lives. We like it that way.
But what if we did look for change?
What if we changed our own lives? What if we did try to simplify and go back to an older way of living? How would that impact our health?
No, I don't advocate throwing the baby out with the bathwater and getting rid of all advancement. But would it be so wrong to look at what I'm doing today and asking how I could simplify? You will likely find that the things that affect you the most are not the same as mine. That’s okay. The question is about what will work for you.
What will you change?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Spark Plugs
We drive an Econoline E-350 Super Duty passenger van. You do stuff like that when you have lots of kids. It's a great vehicle for us, but lately it's been having some...issues. It stutters and doesn't seem to want to accelerate. Seems like it's worse on damp mornings.
Sounds like spark plugs/wires to me.
I went home from work yesterday intent on correcting this problem. I don't often work on my cars because it seems like they are overly complicated, but I know about this sort of job. Caps, wires, plugs...been working with them since I was old enough to hold a tool.
After a quick change into my manly-working on the car-gettin' dirty clothes, I got all my tools together along with a light (it's still dark in the evenings here) and started on the van. First to find the wires.
Except that I couldn't find them:
No cap
No wires
No plugs
So I stood in my driveway looking very philosophically at the night sky. I was actually trying to convince myself that I wasn't a complete idiot. But looking philosophical was a good cover.
My Dad came over to help. While I'm not grease monkey (I can do basics but that's about it), my Dad is a grease monkey from way back. So he helped me to find the cap, wires, and plugs. Except that they weren't there.
No cap
No wires
No plugs
So we did the only thing two grown men can do when they are stumped about a very manly sort of thing. We ate a large dinner and laughed a lot.
Upon some further research we discovered that there is no cap. There are no wires. There are plugs, but they are sunk in the head (COP system for those who care). Now, although this is something that normally I'd try to tackle, the way my engine is set up I can't even get to them. The repair shop doesn't even think they can do it. So...that's bad.
I got to remembering my old '86 F-150. Loved that truck. I'd sidle a step ladder up to it and climb inside the engine compartment. It was easier to work on. It was simple.
Even in the arena of our vehicles we are constantly restricted because of the complexity of our society. Most engines now are very much integrated with computer systems and emissions saving devices. There are some folks out there very gifted in this area and I sure am glad for that. But there was time when any reasonable person could work on their car. The mechanisms were simpler. Parts were available. People up and down the block knew how to work on them and would help. Today....not so much.
Again, I see how we've shot ourselves in the foot. As we demand safer vehicles, lower emissions, better gas mileage, lower maintenance, and lattes made for us and passed through the glove compartment (I'm working on a patent for that) we are asking for more complexity. Take anti-lock braking systems. Good system. Seems to work well. What was wrong with pumping our brakes?
Now, I know that I could easily get pounded by those would say "But we're so much safer." and "Look at all the good they've done." Well, to be honest, I've not seen any measurable numbers indicating that we are safer. I think we end up taking more chances. I think we end up not thinking because we expect the car to do everything for us. I think we get lazy.
I think I'd forgo a lot of amenities on a car for a simpler model...that would last...and had some plug wires.
Sounds like spark plugs/wires to me.
I went home from work yesterday intent on correcting this problem. I don't often work on my cars because it seems like they are overly complicated, but I know about this sort of job. Caps, wires, plugs...been working with them since I was old enough to hold a tool.
After a quick change into my manly-working on the car-gettin' dirty clothes, I got all my tools together along with a light (it's still dark in the evenings here) and started on the van. First to find the wires.
Except that I couldn't find them:
No cap
No wires
No plugs
So I stood in my driveway looking very philosophically at the night sky. I was actually trying to convince myself that I wasn't a complete idiot. But looking philosophical was a good cover.
My Dad came over to help. While I'm not grease monkey (I can do basics but that's about it), my Dad is a grease monkey from way back. So he helped me to find the cap, wires, and plugs. Except that they weren't there.
No cap
No wires
No plugs
So we did the only thing two grown men can do when they are stumped about a very manly sort of thing. We ate a large dinner and laughed a lot.
Upon some further research we discovered that there is no cap. There are no wires. There are plugs, but they are sunk in the head (COP system for those who care). Now, although this is something that normally I'd try to tackle, the way my engine is set up I can't even get to them. The repair shop doesn't even think they can do it. So...that's bad.
I got to remembering my old '86 F-150. Loved that truck. I'd sidle a step ladder up to it and climb inside the engine compartment. It was easier to work on. It was simple.
Even in the arena of our vehicles we are constantly restricted because of the complexity of our society. Most engines now are very much integrated with computer systems and emissions saving devices. There are some folks out there very gifted in this area and I sure am glad for that. But there was time when any reasonable person could work on their car. The mechanisms were simpler. Parts were available. People up and down the block knew how to work on them and would help. Today....not so much.
Again, I see how we've shot ourselves in the foot. As we demand safer vehicles, lower emissions, better gas mileage, lower maintenance, and lattes made for us and passed through the glove compartment (I'm working on a patent for that) we are asking for more complexity. Take anti-lock braking systems. Good system. Seems to work well. What was wrong with pumping our brakes?
Now, I know that I could easily get pounded by those would say "But we're so much safer." and "Look at all the good they've done." Well, to be honest, I've not seen any measurable numbers indicating that we are safer. I think we end up taking more chances. I think we end up not thinking because we expect the car to do everything for us. I think we get lazy.
I think I'd forgo a lot of amenities on a car for a simpler model...that would last...and had some plug wires.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Haitians
I remember where I was when the 911 disaster occurred. I remember watching it on television. I remember the feeling of horror at the loss of lives and the fear at what was to come. I remember most the generosity of the people in contributing to the welfare of those involved. It came in the form of money, supplies, labor, equipment, and prayers. It was inspiring and humbling in the same moment. I think it was then that I began to realize the power of the internet.
Sites were not as sophisticated then and the idea of "social networking" sites had not yet become a central force in the American digital culture. Yet it seemed with every page refresh, every site link, every virtual venue explored there was opportunity to give. We saw it again when Katrina struck and when the Philipines was ravaged by the tidal wave. We saw that the opportunities to give were plentiful; and all thanks to technology.
I'm glad we're able, now, to help the Hatians. I have not yet seen an estimate on how much we're giving, but I would suspect it will be huge. That's wonderful.
Yet in the midst of the devastation and the pain, I can't help but wonder where the relief is for those Americans who live lives of poverty and destitution every day. We have, on our own soil, men, women, and children plodding through an existence of hunger, thirst, poor health, and untold dangers every single day. Yet we are not scraping together the funds necessary to help them just live a decent life.
Why?
While I do not regret the money given to those in need during a crisis, I often think how much better off our own homeless and suffering population would be if only they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If they were part of a globally watched tragedy at least then they would receive medical attention, food, water, and clothing. Are these basic needs really so much to ask?
No, I don't want to take those things away from the Haitians. They have been through an experience that I can't even really imagine. They are broken and in need of healing. We can be that balm to them. But when the dust settles and we have done what we can to care for the Haitians, perhaps we can turn our hearts to those who are suffering through devastation right in our own backyard.
Sites were not as sophisticated then and the idea of "social networking" sites had not yet become a central force in the American digital culture. Yet it seemed with every page refresh, every site link, every virtual venue explored there was opportunity to give. We saw it again when Katrina struck and when the Philipines was ravaged by the tidal wave. We saw that the opportunities to give were plentiful; and all thanks to technology.
I'm glad we're able, now, to help the Hatians. I have not yet seen an estimate on how much we're giving, but I would suspect it will be huge. That's wonderful.
Yet in the midst of the devastation and the pain, I can't help but wonder where the relief is for those Americans who live lives of poverty and destitution every day. We have, on our own soil, men, women, and children plodding through an existence of hunger, thirst, poor health, and untold dangers every single day. Yet we are not scraping together the funds necessary to help them just live a decent life.
Why?
While I do not regret the money given to those in need during a crisis, I often think how much better off our own homeless and suffering population would be if only they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If they were part of a globally watched tragedy at least then they would receive medical attention, food, water, and clothing. Are these basic needs really so much to ask?
No, I don't want to take those things away from the Haitians. They have been through an experience that I can't even really imagine. They are broken and in need of healing. We can be that balm to them. But when the dust settles and we have done what we can to care for the Haitians, perhaps we can turn our hearts to those who are suffering through devastation right in our own backyard.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Fight
I'm getting excited about raising chickens again this year. Last year was really a trial run for us. We did a small batch (well I guess that's relative....100 chicks in our basement did not feel like a small batch!) for a small group of people, mostly to see if we could pull it off. As many of you know, we did "pull it off" with an enormous amount of grace from God AND lots of help from friends and family. So, we're ready to go again this year!
I've been working through pricing structures for the products. We're introducing turkeys into our mix this year, but since I don't have a baseline for them, they're a bit harder. But I'm REALLY excited about the chickens. I have a couple of things I've thought through. They go something like this:
While the production line worked great for cars, it has depleted the average chicken of any sort of nutrients when it hits your local freezer. Even those chickens labled as "Natural" have several drawbacks which I won't get into here. But, as I price out the "natural" chickens in the freezer, I think we can beat them. I think we have a shot at selling chicken at a reasonable price competative with the big guys. Check this out!
Here you can see a Perdue whole chicken for $1.99/pound. While I can't get a per pound price that low, I can charge less than $15.02 for 7.55 pounds of chicken. WE CAN SELL FOR LESS THAN THE STORE!
Okay, yeah, I'm pretty excited about that. Plus, I can promise that our chickens will indeed be all natural, free range, and anti-biotic free.
So what are your thoughts? Does that excite you? Let me know. We'd love to hear back from you!! Leave your comments here, or check out our Facebook page!
I've been working through pricing structures for the products. We're introducing turkeys into our mix this year, but since I don't have a baseline for them, they're a bit harder. But I'm REALLY excited about the chickens. I have a couple of things I've thought through. They go something like this:
- We're not in this things for money. Although I would like to make a go of a home/family based business, the truth is that we want to see a community built around a vision from God. We believe we can meet needs for those around us through a network of folks brought together by the leading of the Spirit...even if they don't know Him!
- We want to meet people where they are. Isn't it interesting that most health food stores, stores conscious of natural food sources and sustainable farming practices, are typically located outside wealthier suburbs? There are some who are fighting the fight in Wayne and Monroe counties, but they are in the minority.
- That said, we need to be competitive in our pricing structure. We are trying to figure out a cost that will allow people of moderate incomes (like ourselves) to purchase high quality chicken.
- People in our area are often on a budget. It's hard to say "Well, we don't exactly know what they'll weigh in at so just be ready." when we're talking about purchasing the chicken. It might be easier to charge a flat rate.
While the production line worked great for cars, it has depleted the average chicken of any sort of nutrients when it hits your local freezer. Even those chickens labled as "Natural" have several drawbacks which I won't get into here. But, as I price out the "natural" chickens in the freezer, I think we can beat them. I think we have a shot at selling chicken at a reasonable price competative with the big guys. Check this out!
Okay, yeah, I'm pretty excited about that. Plus, I can promise that our chickens will indeed be all natural, free range, and anti-biotic free.
So what are your thoughts? Does that excite you? Let me know. We'd love to hear back from you!! Leave your comments here, or check out our Facebook page!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Freedom
Wow...big topic. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that any blog post about freedom will come up short, but it's been on my mind the last couple of days. Most of those who know me will hear me enter into a rant about the pains of "big government" in America. That's why they avoid me in the halls. Now, to be clear, I'm not an anarchist. I don't think anarchy has done anyone any good and I do not see it as a Biblical model. The early church set up overseers and servants to help govern the people. But a common thread in the New Testament is clearly the concept of servant leadership, that is, a leader is nothing more than a servant of the people. I think, in general, this was the type of government our forefathers had in mind as they drafted a government of overseers bound to a series of check and balances which involved the scrutiny of the people. That thought leaves me to say "hmmmm....What happened?"
My thinking (such as it is) goes directly to personal rights. We love them; we cherish them, I think we'd marry them if we could. Even when our personal rights conflict with stated rules, opinions, or another person's personal rights, we expect our right to be met. But whatever happened to serving the people?
Here's an example: Let's say a university has a rule about living in the dorms and what criteria is necessary to live in the dorms. A man for some reason cannot meet the rules and is therefore denied access to the dorms. Yet he sues and wins the right to live in the dorm.
I know....hot button here...what if the person was disabled, had a dependecy, was in a unique situation, or just plain wanted to be cool. Well, there are questions there, but look at it from another side. A rule was clearly stated. A man was unable to meet that rule. So he sues (or somebody sues...the details are irrelevant to the example) and gains access. Where would something like that end? Should I be allowed to use the womens bathroom since I physically cannot become a women? Is it not my right to use the womens bathroom?
I fully realize atrocities have occurred where people who could not defend themselves have required assistance or intervention. Yet that line continues to blur. As each of us expects that our own personal rights must not be violated, we in turn know no boundaries. Instead we break the rules as we ride upon the wave of our own self-justification. But this is not freedom. Freedom in not unbridled access to all things. Rather, freedom speaks to us of release from slavery in all forms. Freedom is about choice and that choice includes laying down my personal rights so that an order, a balance, can be brought about. I seek not to enslave others to my personal rights by laying those rights down.
If this understanding of freedom was universally held, we would ask questions like "How will my actions affect others?", "Will my actions hurt a person or institution?, and "Am I serving my fellow man by my action?". I do not suggest a perfect society will come from these questions, but I'll bet it'd be a great place to live!!
What do you think?
My thinking (such as it is) goes directly to personal rights. We love them; we cherish them, I think we'd marry them if we could. Even when our personal rights conflict with stated rules, opinions, or another person's personal rights, we expect our right to be met. But whatever happened to serving the people?
Here's an example: Let's say a university has a rule about living in the dorms and what criteria is necessary to live in the dorms. A man for some reason cannot meet the rules and is therefore denied access to the dorms. Yet he sues and wins the right to live in the dorm.
I know....hot button here...what if the person was disabled, had a dependecy, was in a unique situation, or just plain wanted to be cool. Well, there are questions there, but look at it from another side. A rule was clearly stated. A man was unable to meet that rule. So he sues (or somebody sues...the details are irrelevant to the example) and gains access. Where would something like that end? Should I be allowed to use the womens bathroom since I physically cannot become a women? Is it not my right to use the womens bathroom?
I fully realize atrocities have occurred where people who could not defend themselves have required assistance or intervention. Yet that line continues to blur. As each of us expects that our own personal rights must not be violated, we in turn know no boundaries. Instead we break the rules as we ride upon the wave of our own self-justification. But this is not freedom. Freedom in not unbridled access to all things. Rather, freedom speaks to us of release from slavery in all forms. Freedom is about choice and that choice includes laying down my personal rights so that an order, a balance, can be brought about. I seek not to enslave others to my personal rights by laying those rights down.
If this understanding of freedom was universally held, we would ask questions like "How will my actions affect others?", "Will my actions hurt a person or institution?, and "Am I serving my fellow man by my action?". I do not suggest a perfect society will come from these questions, but I'll bet it'd be a great place to live!!
What do you think?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Water
New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg has been doing a series on Toxic Water in America. Now, you may be thinking that drinking water is of no real concern and hey, it comes from the tap. It's practically free! Yet we pay the price for practically free water over time. We pay with our health.
Note: if you do not plan to drink anything other than tap water, please stop reading.
I'm serious. It gets weird.
The articles are disturbing though I think the topic has been treated fairly. In my opinion, the government has not been treated as an evil villain attempting to poison us all; and that's a good thing (to borrow the colloquialism). I don't really see the government at fault in all this; I see us at fault. The truth is, we desire to live in large cities where all our amenities are provided. I happen to be a fan of this, at least in some respects (think of the toilet....I'll not go further). Trouble comes when we give full autonomy to the government and virtually eliminate public scrutiny. As they say, you cannot expect what you do not inspect.
It would seem that the waste treatment plants are doing what they can to kill bacteria, namely they are spiking our water with chlorine. At first pass, that sounds terrible. Yet in reality it's that very process that is saving our lives. As you read the articles thoroughly you will see that with all the disgusting additives in the water, invaders from water run off, pollution, and just plain laziness, we would not survive without chlorine. Documented incidents are included in the articles that call out things in the water that just shouldn't be there; hormones, arsenic, floating chicken heads (what?), and even a report of pickles being discarded in the sewer system causing the smell of vinegar and spices to permeate the complex. You can see that without the chlorine, we'd be much worse off. But is that enough?
I've copied a link to a recent interview on Fresh Air hosted by Terry Gross. Terry is, in my opinion, a good interviewer and often has guests on her show that are interesting. Her interview with Duhigg was no exception.
So what, then, is the solution? Well, I can assure you that bottled water (as in packaged and sold at the store) is only part of the solution. While bottled water certainly has its place, some studies have suggested that the long term use of purified water alone can be detrimental as well. Purifying the water, through reverse osmosis or other processes, does clean the water, but kills both the harmful bacteria and the necessary bacteria. What you say? Good bacteria? Certainly, bacteria that your body needs in order to stay well. We certainly want it to destroy the bad bacteria, but some studies have indicated that over time that may too be detrimental to your health.
Have you ever thought about water filtration? I mean your own filtration system for your own home. Personally, I use the Berkey system. It filters out the chemicals and bacteria that I don't need while leaving the rest. It tastes wonderful too. But that is certainly not the only system. Many more exist. Just google "survival gear" or "water filtration systems" and you'll have your work cut out for you.
But the bottom line is that you must do what is right for your family. Health is not a matter we should leave up to any government agency. We must take our families health and welfare into our own hands. As long as the government is "by the people" and "for the people" isn't that the way it should work anyway?
Note: if you do not plan to drink anything other than tap water, please stop reading.
I'm serious. It gets weird.
The articles are disturbing though I think the topic has been treated fairly. In my opinion, the government has not been treated as an evil villain attempting to poison us all; and that's a good thing (to borrow the colloquialism). I don't really see the government at fault in all this; I see us at fault. The truth is, we desire to live in large cities where all our amenities are provided. I happen to be a fan of this, at least in some respects (think of the toilet....I'll not go further). Trouble comes when we give full autonomy to the government and virtually eliminate public scrutiny. As they say, you cannot expect what you do not inspect.
It would seem that the waste treatment plants are doing what they can to kill bacteria, namely they are spiking our water with chlorine. At first pass, that sounds terrible. Yet in reality it's that very process that is saving our lives. As you read the articles thoroughly you will see that with all the disgusting additives in the water, invaders from water run off, pollution, and just plain laziness, we would not survive without chlorine. Documented incidents are included in the articles that call out things in the water that just shouldn't be there; hormones, arsenic, floating chicken heads (what?), and even a report of pickles being discarded in the sewer system causing the smell of vinegar and spices to permeate the complex. You can see that without the chlorine, we'd be much worse off. But is that enough?
I've copied a link to a recent interview on Fresh Air hosted by Terry Gross. Terry is, in my opinion, a good interviewer and often has guests on her show that are interesting. Her interview with Duhigg was no exception.
So what, then, is the solution? Well, I can assure you that bottled water (as in packaged and sold at the store) is only part of the solution. While bottled water certainly has its place, some studies have suggested that the long term use of purified water alone can be detrimental as well. Purifying the water, through reverse osmosis or other processes, does clean the water, but kills both the harmful bacteria and the necessary bacteria. What you say? Good bacteria? Certainly, bacteria that your body needs in order to stay well. We certainly want it to destroy the bad bacteria, but some studies have indicated that over time that may too be detrimental to your health.
Have you ever thought about water filtration? I mean your own filtration system for your own home. Personally, I use the Berkey system. It filters out the chemicals and bacteria that I don't need while leaving the rest. It tastes wonderful too. But that is certainly not the only system. Many more exist. Just google "survival gear" or "water filtration systems" and you'll have your work cut out for you.
But the bottom line is that you must do what is right for your family. Health is not a matter we should leave up to any government agency. We must take our families health and welfare into our own hands. As long as the government is "by the people" and "for the people" isn't that the way it should work anyway?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Big Business
I've had opportunity at times in my life to study big corporations....mostly because I worked at them. Taking it all in stride, I have found it much easier to work with smaller companies. One family owned company I worked for a number of years ago now goes down in my history as the best place I've worked. As I look at some of my other faves I see a line of similarity: the location or department I was in worked like a small business within a big business.
Now, to be fair, I want to own my own business so that colors my thoughts. But recently it dawned on me why the functions in a big corporation (and I've worked for several) always seems disjointed. It occurred to me that they are trying to function in a way that is unnatural. Here's what I mean....
In every corporate environment everywhere (I think that's a politically correct thing to say) whether it's a church (that's probably not a politically correct thing to say), a fortune 500 company, or the little mom and pop shop down the street, the people working there know who can get the job done. If you need this document typed out in a hurry, you talk to Jimmy. If you need a good deal on supplies, you talk to Sue. If you want this project on time, you give it to Ralph. Whatever "it" is, you know who's gonna get it done. The reality is that for things to get done in any size company, you have to deal with it relationally.
Most big corporations, including mega churches and the like, adopt a process model that allows them to produce their widgets in the most efficient and concise manner. I've been involved in and used those processes for many years now. Looking at it objectively, it's obvious to me that these processes, developed by the intelligentsia of the age, are as solid as they can be. Yet they all over look one thing; reality. They expect humans to follow through with them. That's really the laughable part of it all. From what I've seen (and there may be exceptions) the process that has been adopted holds true...for a while. But eventually, it's all gonna hit the fan and the person who has the most pressure on them will resort to that animal instinct that God placed within them to seek out another person. They will seek out that person that will get it done, the person they feel the most safe with. In the end, the process fails us because we need to deal with pressure and problems relationally to feel that we've actually accomplished something.
In an environment where that is not factored in, the process seems ludicrous. The team tends to rebel against the process because "it doesn't work." Those people who were over burdened before the process came in become even more overburdened because they are expected to follow, loosely, the process for appearance sake while still accomplishing the work in the same old way. Thus, the whole things seems, somehow, unnatural.
I have not seen an environment where this was not so in one degree or other. However, some companies do better when they know that the human factor will kick in and they allow some leeway in the process that allows people to do what they do naturally....handle things relationally within the framework of a process.
And still I contend that work is most often done well in the case of a small, privately owned company. They tend to live off the relationships they've built. Take care of the people and they take care of you. It's no panacea I know, but somehow it does seem more natural, doesn't it?
I'll have more to say about working in big corporations in the future. For now, it is enough to know that no matter where you are and what job you do, relationships are vital. Remember that and you will build a team around you that will get the job done. Count on it.
Now, to be fair, I want to own my own business so that colors my thoughts. But recently it dawned on me why the functions in a big corporation (and I've worked for several) always seems disjointed. It occurred to me that they are trying to function in a way that is unnatural. Here's what I mean....
In every corporate environment everywhere (I think that's a politically correct thing to say) whether it's a church (that's probably not a politically correct thing to say), a fortune 500 company, or the little mom and pop shop down the street, the people working there know who can get the job done. If you need this document typed out in a hurry, you talk to Jimmy. If you need a good deal on supplies, you talk to Sue. If you want this project on time, you give it to Ralph. Whatever "it" is, you know who's gonna get it done. The reality is that for things to get done in any size company, you have to deal with it relationally.
Most big corporations, including mega churches and the like, adopt a process model that allows them to produce their widgets in the most efficient and concise manner. I've been involved in and used those processes for many years now. Looking at it objectively, it's obvious to me that these processes, developed by the intelligentsia of the age, are as solid as they can be. Yet they all over look one thing; reality. They expect humans to follow through with them. That's really the laughable part of it all. From what I've seen (and there may be exceptions) the process that has been adopted holds true...for a while. But eventually, it's all gonna hit the fan and the person who has the most pressure on them will resort to that animal instinct that God placed within them to seek out another person. They will seek out that person that will get it done, the person they feel the most safe with. In the end, the process fails us because we need to deal with pressure and problems relationally to feel that we've actually accomplished something.
In an environment where that is not factored in, the process seems ludicrous. The team tends to rebel against the process because "it doesn't work." Those people who were over burdened before the process came in become even more overburdened because they are expected to follow, loosely, the process for appearance sake while still accomplishing the work in the same old way. Thus, the whole things seems, somehow, unnatural.
I have not seen an environment where this was not so in one degree or other. However, some companies do better when they know that the human factor will kick in and they allow some leeway in the process that allows people to do what they do naturally....handle things relationally within the framework of a process.
And still I contend that work is most often done well in the case of a small, privately owned company. They tend to live off the relationships they've built. Take care of the people and they take care of you. It's no panacea I know, but somehow it does seem more natural, doesn't it?
I'll have more to say about working in big corporations in the future. For now, it is enough to know that no matter where you are and what job you do, relationships are vital. Remember that and you will build a team around you that will get the job done. Count on it.
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