I own Auto-Turn Manufacturing, Inc. and we now have a little more than 46,000 square feet of building space. In 2014, we made a 10,000 sq. ft. addition thinking we had completed everything according to the current building codes. We scheduled the final building inspection to get our “occupancy permit”. Only one thing was holding us back. We needed a sign on the door located at the far end of the complex that said “Not A Handicapped Accessible Exit”. But in “braille”? The easiest thing for me to do was, laugh and order the sign. I still laugh every time I think about it. I am not objecting to providing necessary provisions for the handicapped. But in 9 years I do not remember anyone coming to our shop in a wheelchair or blind. But I am very sure we have never had anyone come to our shop in a wheelchair and blind. Think about it. How would a blind person in a wheel chair ever find themselves at this exit that is 600 feet from the front entrance? If they did, what is the chances they would be able to find the sign with their hand to read the braille letters?
Everyone that has been in business for a while, will have things happen causing them to say, “all you can do is laugh”.
Since I live in Oklahoma, it is natural that I own a pickup truck. Even though I purchased this as a used truck, it is a pretty nice truck and I would prefer that the paint not get chipped. While at a stop sign, I took this picture that warns me to stay back 200 feet. Seems the driver/owner of this truck is not responsible if something falling from their truck should break my windshield. Are you kidding me? How can I drive down the road without following this truck. Even if I put-the-pedal-to-the-metal to pass quickly, I still could have my windshield broken. “All you can do is laugh”, and try to avoid following gravel trucks.
Among other things, we need to be able to laugh at ourselves. If we make a mistake and can not laugh about it, the problem will be amplified. Even more serious, if a person makes a mistake but denies it or blames someone else, this person is digging a very deep hole.
Obviously, we need to learn from our mistakes. I am not suggesting that laughing fits every situation. But I suggest we create a culture in our workplace that cultivates learning. Face it, people will probably make some mistakes if they are learning. We all need to “Learn to Laugh”.
Can you share times and situations in which you can say, “All you can do is laugh”. Consider using your experiences to help someone in a foreign country to prospers God’s way. Something tells me that God has a sense of humor.
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