Preventive Measures: Reducing Risks and Improving Performance

Problem solvers get much of the glory: Heart Surgeons, First Responders, Plumbers, and so on. Their ability to fix us, resolve the crisis, and get us back on track is vitally important.

Certainly, problem solvers are vital, but what if more investment was made in Preventive Measures? That would require prioritizing decisions, habits, and accountability to reduce risks and improve performance. The peace of mind is worth it!

Intellectuals solve problems,
geniuses prevent them.
— Albert Einstein

Why are we reluctant to take preventive measures to protect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health? Caring for our one and only body, mind, and soul is smart. I’d like to say it’s common sense, but it’s obviously not 

For example, did you know that "Heart disease and diabetes, which account 
for more deaths than everything else combined, are completely preventable by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. Without drugs or surgery."
(Source: Dean Ornish, President of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute)

No medicine is as effective as what we can do ourselves to protect our well being, yet strangely most lack the will to act preventively and wisely in our own best interests. When we wisely take care of us, we improve our ability to self-regulate our attitude, adaptability, and actions, enabling us to stay true to our purpose in elevating others.

The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
— Proverbs 17:12

Why do we similarly miss out on ways to protect the school's organizational health?

• Preventive Communication helps sustain trust and restrain destructive behaviors. It's vital that we prepare stakeholders for various events and issues that can impact a school, combined with developing the communication disciplines that build trust and engagement.
• Preventive Preparation trains core knowledge and best practices for better decisions. Consistent investment in professional development and executive coaching is especially important for the board and leadership because they can really get clogged up. 😉
• Preventive Measurement keeps us on the right course and enables wise adjustment. School Happens, and if we're not careful, the tyranny of the urgent will reduce our effectiveness and create even greater risks. 

A school is more than merely a curricular exchange—it's a powerful ecosystem of human beings intended to inspire a pursuit of truth, wisdom, and noble action. Everyone pays the price when we fail to always protect, hope, trust, and persevere.

Please don't forget to take care of you, My Friend, along with the other preventive measures that are so vital for the health and mission of the school.