The Main Thing

by blogrdoc

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Steven Covey

So simple… yet so hard to actually do.

I kept repeating this to myself while at work today. I was doing some critical experiments for a new production process that I’m trying to get to work. I had to say ‘NO’ to so many things that are very important and urgent. But they will be waiting for me in the morning, as usual. If you’re job is like mine, you have sustaining work and you have process improvement. ‘Sustaining’ could easily consume 40hours/week (especially for a 24h operation like where I work). Moreover - it’s a thankless job. ‘Process improvement’ is not urgent but ultimately is the legacy for any engineer. Sometimes you have to choose one or the other (or give up your sanity). Today - I chose ‘Process improvement’.

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  1. 4 Responses to “The Main Thing”

  2. By Alik | PracticeThis.com on Jun 11, 2008 | Reply

    I’ve chosen “process improvement” job few years ago and it seems really thankless. But it stretches me mentally and i make a difference. In the end i change the world. Slowly but surely. And that what matters for me the most.
    I am with you, partner!

  3. By blogrdoc on Jun 12, 2008 | Reply

    @Alik: I could write volumes on this topic. I got restless in R&D because I worked on technology that was too far out into the future. Now I’m in manufacturing where you are taking each day at a time. Both areas obviously are important. R&D… with higher number of unknowns, and obviously presents greater risk and greater reward. ‘Production’ has less unknowns, but with that it brings other challenges.

  4. By Alik | PracticeThis.com on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply

    Write volumens on this topic - share w/me and the rest your lessons. Help me improve myself with you experience.

  5. By blogrdoc on Jun 22, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks for the encouragement Alik!

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