What if & If Only

Recently, been thinking of many things.

The meeting with my "CEO" n "directors" were technical good.
It's good to hear from them and see certain things from their perspective tho I still don't agree to some degree. But I think I can still live with it for meantime.

Today this "What if & If only" kept ringing in my mind (ring ring...can I speak to Mr. What If and Ms If Only?... nope. Not going to the northpole now.)

"What if" gives the idea that things or options were yet to be executed. Just like a group of planners were just looking at various methods or solutions to solve an issue, problem or situation.

"If only" talks about an issue, matter or subject been solved or dissolved but method of approach could have been better or can be done better that can generate better results or growth.

In many situations, we are caught in these 2 school of "what if & If only".

When certain issues or matters that had been made or tread on, we would normally or very likely look at the situation or the method used and says: "If only this could be done in this manner..." Neither do we ever ponder the "what if" nor what is the best approach for this issue.

In certain matter, the best way for me to solve issues or matters is using "what if" but sometimes it's easier said than done.

Putting on "what if" thinking cap helps us to look at things in a clearer perspective and be more objective. But sad to say that most of us or gernerally people are rather subjective.

"CEO" and "directors" that I know that are objective are rather few. I can only count them with one palm.
Almost all the "CEO" & "directors" that I know are very subjective. They would normally side the "more favorable" one. I called such act "favouritsm"

Such people lean to the "more favourable" one due to various reasons. (You may be able to think more as this is not exhaustive)

#1 Good fellowship
Good fellowship normally hovers around good sumptious food. If not it will not called good fellowship.
So some agreed with them because of great food.

*In the marketplace or secular world, contracts or business opportunites are secure over food and entertainment.
* Hopefully such things don't happen in my organisation.

#2 Senior position
I would gain more if I were to favoure you more cos you can protect me or ensure my position. This person or that person stays long enough in an organisation... so she or he will know more things. So can trust her or him for her/his word.

Hopefully such things don't happen in my organisation.

#3 Experience in life or age
(Chinese saying: I eat more salt more than you eat rice! Sounds familiar)
I am old or more senior than you thus WHAT I SAYS is right!
Such attitude does not garner any respect at all.
One must never says: "I am older than you thus you must listen, you must respect and don't rebutt me. Don't you be rude!" But the only impression that you give to others is that you are proud, snobbish and pompous (same meaning lar)

Hopefully such things don't happen in my organisation.


Any person who tends to incline himself or herself to these reason are rather or maybe unwise, they judged and sided the "favoured ones" too quickly without thinking, deciphering and make no effort to clarifies further with various party.
Such are deems as "light ears" or listens & agreed whatever one says.

When we fails to look at issue as it really is and starts to apply these 3 points... you have loss it totally & completely. You lose the rights to build other bridges.

In this fallen world, we need to exercise the wisdom of Christ and stay objective.
We need to put on the full armour of God and at the same time pray for discernment when we speak, talk or discuss with people regarding various matters.

I do make mistakes at times but it can be avoid when we think and decipher them objectively.

Lately, my "CEO" & "directors" always tell us manager- go to the source. go to the source for clarification.

If you fail to walk your talk (go to the source for clarification) then you loss the opportunity to build bridges and restore lives.

I've a good director. He walk his talk. He's a VP in a banking industry. He has been helping me to put certain things into perspective and at the same time not overbearing. He respect my decisions made knowing that some are needful.

So my dear reader, do you exercise "What if or If Only"?

For you to ponder.

Blessings

2008!

Blessed 2008 to you!

Recently was reading some online news on a local website about a man served as a Health Minister in a neighbouring country was flimed "romancing" with his counterparts in a hotel.

You might be interest to read the full article by clicking below.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Asia/STIStory_192410.html.

This article brought some parallel truths to this person called Achan.

You can read about what he did in the bible. Joshua 6-7

Despite a command given by Joshua to keep away from things that were sacred to the Lord (Joshua 6:18-19). Achan kept & hid some in his tent.

His act not only cause him his life, his family members, young & old, his livestocks(Joshua 7:24). He brought shame to the entire nation-lost in battle.

Achan publicly admited his wrong doings(Joshua 7:20-21).

I knew that Achan had disobeyed God by sinning against him. But personally, I do admire his courage to admit his sin publicly .

Yes, there will always be consequences for the wrong done and sinned committed.
It is necessary for one to openly admits one's wrong doing (It depends on how wide the ripples had gone).
For Achan, his act had gone throughout the entire nation. Same for that health ministry-big consequences

If one tries to hide them in a carpet... very likely... (like what most people says:"you sin will caught up with you one of these day") you will live a life of worrying or covering or in fear....
You will worry that someone will eventually "discover" it. Don't you think so?

In my organisation, my "directors" expects all their "managers" to have the following 4 Responsibilities. (Not sure it still applies. Anyway for you to read)

Personal purity – To bring to the church a submitted, Spirit-filled self.
A heart that is surrendered to God is a powerful tool in God’s hand. Personal purity is not for self-indulgence; it is the greatest and most powerful gift we can bring to each other.

Relational integrity – To pursue honorable and loving relationships: in the family; among friends, coworkers and neighbors; and in the Body of Christ.

Organizational loyalty – To contribute to the church time, talents and treasures, and to be responsive to the leadership God has established.

Interpersonal maturity – To seek to serve more than to be served. The greatest in the Kingdom of God, as Jesus had said is the one who has served all. The community of faith functions best when we esteem others better than ourselves and choose to serve more than to be served.

Above all, I think they are looking for every "managers" to have integrity.

As a leader, if I've did something wrong, I must humble myself to seek forgiveness (to apologize).
I won't cover up my wrong doings by JUSTIFYING my deeds and says:" Although I did not do anything wrong BUT I still say sorry". (Why say sorry when you think you are right. Right?)

For my readers to ponder this...

Leader that stands, stands corrected and chastise.
Leadership that stands corrected will stand tall.

Have a great 2008 ahead!

Blessings to you.