Ben Franklin is typically associated with the Declaration of Independence, bifocals, and the spirit of invention. His name doesn’t generally bring to mind “management guru", but Justin Fox, an editor of Fortune magazine posits that the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a self-help guide for management. In his article “What Ben Franklin Can Teach Execs", Fox offers insightful observations about how this historical figure’s life story is full of lessons for modern-day managers.
As the owner of a printing shop and publisher of a newspaper, Franklin was a businessman who, like most of us, struggled with time-management and order. To combat this problem, he devised a plan to set a daily schedule with goals and tasks assigned in hourly segments of each day. At the end of the day, he asked himself “What good have I done today?" As Fox astutely observes, Franklin’s approach is no different than the best practices that should guide modern management activities.
“This emphasis on setting goals for the day ahead and taking stock afterward remains a staple of time-management advice. (At least, so I’m told.) There’s clearly something to it: I know that I’m far more likely to accomplish something when I have a well-defined to-do list for the day. But in a work world where conflicting, competing priorities are the norm, it’s really hard to stick to such a list… This is perhaps the most appealing aspect of Franklin’s time-management advice: He was an admitted failure at it, and yet that was… okay. Which is just about the most inspirational message conceivable." http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/08/magazines/fortune/plug gedin_fortune/index.htm
Whether or not you succeed in checking each task off of your daily list, you will be more productive and more focused simply by having such a list. Set goals, then determine which assignments are necessary to achieve your goals. Each assignment should be given a deadline that is reasonable yet ambitious. A sense of urgency is better than the feeling that one has plenty of time to “slack off". At the end of the day, you will have a great sense of satisfaction at how much you were able to accomplish, and be better able to assess what you need to do tomorrow.
And yet you and we know there are exceptions to every rule. And we delight in this example from healthy lifestyles books between Ben and Frank. Because, these two friends had a strong honest interest in the historical merit. They were also up to creating, as well as reading, more healthy lifestyles.
Dr.Franklin and Sir Francis were co authors of antique books. They also worked on adaptations to the Franklin stove more adapted to the damp moist weather of England. His superior officer in London in 1760 was Sir Francis, Post Master General of the British Empire.
North America Benjamin Franklin reported to his English Superior Officer Frank: they hit it off immediately, and Ben spent many happy months at the Estate of Sir Francis. And it was here Ben discovered oats. He and Sir Francis found their mutual enjoyment of oatmeal.
They agreed how energizing it was, and Dr. Franklin discreetly mentioned that these prize Scottish oats did not yet grow in America. So you can today read in science books that Sir Francis and Dr. Franklin soon were out in the barn. And on his return to America Dr Franklin was in receipt of 2-3 sacks of prize Scottish oats, which he sent out to all science minded friends who would grow it from cold Boston to hot Savannah to confirm it did best in the north, as in Scotland.
Which is why you see wonderful Dr. Franklin on the cover of a certain oat product. Sir Francis, really, should be smiling next to Ben, handing him the sacks.
Now, we see examples such as the Neem tree, an organic herbal remedy and natural pest repellent, is now proving itself as a curative and health restorative, under western microscopes, now accepted.
And the more we can find and bring over to us healthful or food bearing plants, we are now making that happen, As long as we keep searching, and have learned much since then.
Natural living has shown our ways. We could adapt what China has been able to do, and urge ever northward tender foods such as the Changsha Mandarin orange, which now grows amidst frost in Manchuria.
We do know that warmer foods are being grown further north than in recorded memory. And, if we can keep the ocean from causing us to trade in our lovely new auto for a gondola to make it to work, that will complicate our lives more than we need.
Perhaps we can adapt that impossible song that foretold what came to be: First we take the Neem Tree to Manhattan, then we take the Mandarin.
Let's keep our observations clear, our orientation to our evolving situation wise, our decision based on all the best knowledge, and our decision to act then must self kick into gear. It is in our hands now.
Both Derek Finan & Derek Dashwood are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Derek Finan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Yoga Practice. Gerry Czarnecki promotes excellence in leadership throughactivities as an author, public speaker & consultant. Healso trains boards of directors in corporate governance bestpractices. For leadership books & programs go to www. Derek Finan's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
Derek Dashwood has sinced written about articles on various topics from Energy Healing, Culture and Society and Politics. Derek Dashwood tries to live healthy lifestyles with his family, and delights in hearing his grand children lecture their friends on their poor diets. You will find many fascinating articles at. Derek Dashwood's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.