You usually cannot control external events that impact you, your home, or your organization, but you can be aware of and prepare for them.
By George Taninecz, VP of Research, The MPI Group
I had watched the local weather radar on my phone for most of the morning. Looking west across Lake Chautauqua, it was possible the approaching storm could slide to the south, and we would remain dry. Since I was staying with friends at their lakefront cottage, the weather would dictate our fun for the afternoon; I had predicted rainfall by late morning, but we were all wishing for a better outcome.
Around noon, the sky darkened and the hills surrounding the Chautauqua Institution began to wear a veil of rain that soon stretched down to and east across the lake. Plans to lounge on the dock or take a sun-soaked nap seemed ill-fated. Minutes later, we grabbed seat cushions and electronics from the porch, and headed in. The rain outside necessitated lunch inside, over which we discussed the day’s backup plan.
I like to monitor the weather, track meteorological data, and make amateur predictions. Of course, I recognize that I don’t control the weather, but I do like to prepare myself for it. As much as we think we can rule everything we do — in pleasure or business — external events frequently impose their own order.
We can tirelessly track and improve every conceivable internal measure of ourselves, our homes, or our organizations, but we’re never in complete control. What risks to self, family, and business should we regularly monitor and manage, as if they were approaching storms? We will not change their course or alter their intent, but with the right tools and awareness, we can start to work on Plan B.
After lunch, the rain quickly passed and the sun began to shine, and our friend pointed out a weather stick that was attached to a nearby tree. Prior to the storm, the stick — a thin, balsam fir twig that reacts to humidity — presumably had been leaning downward. Now the stick was clearly bent upward, signaling the likelihood of improving, near-term weather.
I had not noticed the weather stick prior to the storm; the information it provided may have reinforced my prediction, especially early in the day when there was no sign of rain. It now gave us hope for a clear afternoon and the confidence to pursue outdoor activities: we dozed briefly on the lawn, and then headed to Southern Tier Brewing, where we drank a few ales and listened to live music under a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds.
The simple weather stick helped us to plan a pleasurable day. If only other decision-making tools and the insights they offer were so clear and binary.
Comments? George Taninecz can be reached by email at gtaninecz@mpi-group.com.
© 2017 The MPI Group
