Mark Mitford - MBA, MA’s Post

With the fast pace and stress of our daily lives, we sometimes forget about the simple things in life and how much they mean to others. Read my recent blog for ways to show appreciation to your employees. https://bit.ly/4aOWq3J

Fridays thoughts About taking action: part 2 of 4. Impossible decisions   I heard this incredible story this past Wednesday.  It was told by a former SOF operator and addressed decision-making and how, despite lacking information and complete situational awareness, one was made because there was no other option.  Let me give you some context first. As I have mentioned in previous posts, we are train–repeat–insist freaks. However, SOF guys are worse because their working environment is even more error-averse. That means that everything is trained up to a point where very few things are left aside. All aspects of a mission are verified, checked, and re-checked again. Procedures cover all possible variables. You might think it makes them inflexible (in case something unexpected pops up). Well, it is the opposite. It gives them flexibility. But what if they are faced with what he classified as an Impossible Decision? Let us see! Here is the scenario: a boarding operation done by fast rope into a vessel in pitch-black conditions and without knowing how many "bad guys were on board. During the execution, the first and second operators manage to land on board. The third one, however, fell into the sea. Without any other means of support nearby, the decision to be made was either to save the man overboard or continue the boarding operation (not to leave both men alone fighting an unknown number of adversaries)!  The impossible decision: to choose between one or two possible dead. A lose-lose situation.  They chose to rescue the man overboard, trusting both operator's training would be enough to handle the situation on board. All went well. Fortunately, we do not face impossible decisions in our working environment. If that is the case, why do we stumble into things such as no decisions being made (which is different from deciding not to do something), or them taking too much time, or arguing that the process does not allow it? Opportunities, team development, motivation, engagement, and so forth get hindered by it. Everything we do has an ultimate aim: to make the best possible decision based on what we know, what we have, our resources, and our objectives. Is that not enough? 

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On this day, I celebrate all workers dedicated to using the work place as a platform to make a positive impact. There is dignity in labor and every job is important. Elevate your job with a spirit of service and professional, doing the ordinary every day tasks extraordinarily well. Happy Workers' Day. #professionalism #workersday2024 #passionandpurpose #spiritofservice #alwayslearning #LagosBusinessSchool

Within this 8-week online series, Jon will navigate through The 7 Characteristics of a STAR employee, offering practical guidance and real-life examples. (Resilience, Civility, Gratitude, Flexibility, Discernment, Self-Awareness, and Approachability) This course is open to all levels of employees. Click the link for more information or to register: https://lnkd.in/gURN3D35

Our new blog "Clocking Off – How to end the work day with purpose" is now live on our website. Learn how to healthily separate your work day and the rest of the day: https://lnkd.in/eia7eYUf

Are you wanting to make a #positiveimpact on your personal & professional life as well as the lives of those on your team? Checkout this series to register for. #careerdevelopment #corevalues #culturematters #servantleadership #leavingalegacy

Work conditioning is a functional program designed to get injured employees back on the job while improving their abilities. This helps to bridge the gap between acute care and return to work without restrictions. Learn more here - https://ow.ly/G5Kg50QxSAt

Today, let’s give thanks for the Magician archetype, who brings transformative change and innovative solutions to our workplace.  Learn more about the solving workplace conflict through the Seven Archetypes here: omlifecompass.com.

🎉 Happy Labour Day! 🌟 On this May 1st, let’s celebrate the hard work, dedication, and resilience of workers around the world. Whether you’re in an office, a factory, or working remotely, your efforts contribute to building a better future. 🛠️ Tools of the Trade: From hammers to laptops, each tool represents a labor of love. 💪 🎨 Creative Minds Unite: Artists, writers, and creators, your work shapes our culture and inspires us all. 🎨 🌸 Blooming Efforts: Just like flowers bloom, so do our endeavors. Keep planting seeds of progress! 🌼 🎈 Cheers to You!: Raise a virtual toast to every worker out there. Your impact matters! 🥂 “You’ve got to think about the big things while you’re doing the small things so that all the small things go in the right direction.” — Alvin Toffler “The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they’re mutually reinforcing.” — Michael Porter “You have to always be ready, always be alive, and always be willing to move in a new direction.” — Kevin Spacey “If everybody is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going exactly in the opposite direction.” — Sam Walton #LabourDay #WorkHardPlayHard #CelebrateEfforts