February 2013
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| Learn the purpose behind the chart and the Blackberry. |
Ah-Ha! Moment – A few weeks ago, I was working late and left our office suite to use the restroom down the hall. When I came back, I realized the door to my suite was locked ... AND I did not have my keys ... AND I had left my BlackBerry on my desk! HELP!!
Other options? Well, I didn't have my car keys, so I couldn't drive somewhere and call my wife. I didn't have my wallet or any change in my pocket, making it hard to get far without money of some sort. I wasn't wearing a coat, and it was REALLY cold outside (about 40 degrees), so walking a long way was not a good option. YIKES!!
Suddenly, I had an idea! I remembered my door has a mail slot, and noticed the wastebasket in the restroom has a bent metal rod, and wondered if
I could ...
The answer? Yes, I could – I successfully picked my door lock!!!
Lessons learned? I now know I can break into my office, but that's not the real lesson. Standing back and thinking about it more, the real lessons are some that can apply to business – and life – as well as locked doors:
- Although things go wrong, nothing is hopeless.
- It sometimes helps to step back and get a different perspective.
- Items may be useful for tasks other than the designer intended.
- Everything can be an asset, so make the best use of resources at hand.
- When in doubt, be creative and improvise!
I also learned there is a LOT of truth in the old saw, "Necessity is the mother of invention!"
