Is It I?

I read today again Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on self examination. What an insightful consideration to think of as we go through our lives. I though how this, like so many of the principles taught in the Gospel apply not just to life at church, or even to family life, but there is wisdom in this for my professional experiences also. Think of his words as he relates studies of human behavior where we are "painfully unaware" of our own shortcomings and weaknesses. We think we see the faults of others so easily and yet we are blind to our own. Mom and I have talked about this often working to try and see us as others would and consider if there are things we need to change. 

At work we periodically do what is referred to as a 360. It is an extensive study, by others, on our behaviors and how we lead, work, interact etc. this gives us anonymous and valuable feedback to our actions. 

The same happens when we are coached by a mentor, or when we get feedback from our supervisor. Do I listen closely to the things they are telling me? Do I carefully consider that they might be saying softly something that is a real flaw but they are not direct in it to avoid hard feelings?  Do I look for the meaning between words at what I can improve? And then most importantly do I do anything about it. At this time I try to follow the comment from a few conferences back. In my efforts to make change "shall I falter or shall I finish?"  

Finally in real life at work I get annual performance reviews. I have tried hard to ask my supervisors more and more over the years to be very frank with me. I appreciate the positive feedback and it does make me feel good about what I do. But I have really sought out what do I need to change. Where am I short of their expectations?  This becomes a valuable tool for the next year to become a better person. 

Pres.  Uchtdorf  gave some wise counsel that I recommend we all follow. In the words of the scriptures and the talks at conference, hold ourselves up to them as a measure, ask ourselves the simple question, "Lord, is it I?"  

This past week I was at a training, week 2 of 3, learning about lean business. In short the effort to remove wasted activity from what we do, and bring out the best value of everything we do. We learned a great deal of some "tools" that can help in these efforts. Small and often short ways we can identify and then act on things found to improve our business results. It was quite informative. The struggle I have had is this is based out of a manufacturing situation it the efforts I and plenty of others do is in an office setting. So I spent a great deal of mental energy trying to see how we can apply these things in our setting to still make the most value of all we do. For example my project identified a big gap in how long it takes us to get ideas to the point where we can finalize a new product and get it ready for production. And so we are implementing some new processes that will make visual for all to see key things they will help things go faster. Making things easily seen is one of the tools we studied. When you lower the water in a river it is easier to see and avoid the rocks underneath. They are always there, but if the water is so high we never see them and avoid or removed them. So it was a good training. I did not like that it was away from home so I missed everyone a lot. 

I was home late Thursday/Friday AM and stayed home from work Friday. Then Saturday I had to leave home at 5AM for a flight to China again. I will get back Saturday afternoon. I don't like traveling so much. I am a home body and like it there. There is so much to be gained by being around those most important at home. 

Consider a self examination this week. Dig deep and accept what you find, and what you are prompted by the Holy Ghost, then make a plan to act. He will help you become something better. I know that is the case. 

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4