Putting out Fires Today


125/365:Rooms on Fire.

Originally uploaded by practicalowl

As you go through your day today, notice the fires that come up screaming for your attention. After you put each one out, take a moment to think about why the situation got to that point and how to head it off next time.

At the end of the day, make one change – create one policy, empower someone, train someone, do what it takes so that you never have to deal with that fire, or any like it again.

It takes time and attention. It takes letting go and trusting. One step at a time, one policy at a time you will get to the point where you are not putting out fires all the time.

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