Lean Quote: The 3 R’s of Choice

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"We are not animals. We are not a product of what has happened to us in our past. We have the power of choice."   —  Stephen Covey

There are three components to having the power to make choices:

1. The right to choice
2. The responsibility to choose
3. The results of choice

If you don’t believe you have the ability to make choices, you have been deceived. You make choices every single day. You’re making a choice right now.

When you take responsibility for your choices, you realize there is no neutral ground. Every decision you make has inherent meaning and consequence. Every decision you make also reflects what you truly believe, far louder than any words you speak. Thus, what you do with your time actually does matter. Who you spend your time with does matter. Everything you do matters when you take responsibility.

Lastly, results. Every decision has a consequence. Said Dr. Stephen R. Covey,

“We control our actions, but the consequences that flow from those actions are controlled by principles.”

Every decision (and indecision!) has a consequence. Withholding the words, “I love you,” to a child or spouse could be more detrimental than you imagine. Conversely, doing small and simple things, like making someone feel special or smiling at a stranger could change their whole day, and whole life!

To quote the song “Have I Done Any Good?”:

“Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. There are chances for work all around just now, Opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,” But go and do something today.”

Every choice has a ripple effect.