Letter from the Editor

Long before Covey’s seventh habit (Sharpen the Saw) became part of the workplace experience, I knew the value of keeping the tools of your trade in good shape. My father was an electrician and often tasked me with sorting and organizing the many pieces and parts he used daily. It was not always the most pleasant task, but he told me that the hour a day I spent doing that for him saved him hours hunting and searching onsite the next day.

The anology of the wood cutter shaprening his saw is an appropriate one. The woodcutter can become even more productive by sharpening the blade, studying new woodcutting techniques, working out to become stronger, and learning from other woodcutters.

Failing to "sharpen the saw" can lead to a feeling of burnout. If you merely alternate between productive work and downtime, your production capacity will drop off. You’re still working hard, but you don’t feel as productive as you think you should be. When you sharpen yourself regularly, you’ll find that you can flow along at a steady pace week after week without getting burnt out.

Look at Lance Armstrong or any other endurance athlete. They don’t just rest and compete. They train. And training provides that opportunity to renew by honing skills and abilities.

You are your most important “tool of the trade.” Are you sharp, well-oiled and ready to cut? In this issue we’ll look at the concept of renewal and how other people improve their performances by sharpening their saws.

Remember, work is an adventure...be prepared!

Ed Tilley
President
Adventure Associates, Inc.