Taking time out

Here's a short story that I believe is very relevant to facilities management - enjoy!

In the final of the World Logging Championships two loggers competed to see who could fell the most timber between 8.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. They set to with attitude and seemed to chop stroke for stroke until Peter stopped at ten to 9.00. Sensing his chance Paul redoubled his efforts. At 9.00 Paul heard Peter start to chop again. They seemed to chop stroke for stroke until at ten to 10 Peter stopped again. Once again Paul redoubled his efforts. At the stroke of 10.00 Peter started chopping again. And so it went on through the whole day. At 4.00 when the final whistle blew Paul was supremely confident that the prize was his. You can imagine how surprised he was to discover he had lost. “How did you do that?” he asked Peter. “Every hour I heard you stop. How could you have cut more timber than me? It just isn’t possible.”

“It’s very simple” replied Peter. “Every hour at ten to the hour, I stopped. While you continued to cut I was sharpening my axe.”

Taking time out, even it it’s only to take a few deep breaths, makes you more effective.

If you have burning questions about time management please send them to me for a personal response.

Liz Kentish The FM Coach