What does an open-door policy do, exactly? I do have one at my work. There are times when I need to close the door for a meeting or to avoid interruptions. And I would say, for the most part, it has been good. But is it always the best policy?
“An open-door policy doesn’t do much for a closed mind.”
When I drew this cartoon, My office was a cubicle. Every cubicle worker knows the door is always open when there is no door. Interruptions are the norm. And it has changed the workplace dramatically. If a manager keeps the door closed, they are seen as aloof and unapproachable.
The other day, I was in a Sunday school class when two boys began wrestling. One of the boys was in the school wrestling program and wanted to show the moves he learned on the other. I watched closely since it would be bad for a fight to break out in Sunday school. As I made sure it didn’t get out of hand, it reminded me of the Bible story of Jacob and Esau. Voilà! I had my cartoon idea for January!
The Jacob and Esau Bible story usually perks the ears of young boys. Since I am the firstborn son in my family, it certainly got my attention. Of course, I had not heard anything until the story of Moses and Passover made me cringe. Hey! Why were things so hard on the firstborn kids? I thought we got all the goods, not a death sentence!
As a child, part of the story made sense because Esau was prone to make rash, unwise decisions. Still, that Jacob was a deceiver. His name in Hebrew suggests that. Later, it made me uncomfortable to learn Esau’s name meant “hairy.” The poor kids didn’t have a chance. How would you like to be introduced as Hairy and Deceiver?
Their father’s name was Isaac. That means “Laughter.” It makes me wonder if he was laughing while his two sons were squabbling. In fact, for this cartoon, I shall hereby name the dad in this cartoon Isaac. It seems appropriate enough.
One of the many lessons of this story is to be careful what you name your kids. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy!
Cartoon of a mom and a sick child in a doctor's office. The doctor, child and mother all have spots on their skin. The doctor says, "Well whateve he has, it's contagious."
Not long ago, social media influencers were looking for their next big viral video. It will be interesting to see if we will continue to use this term since we are all conscious of what a contagious virus can do.
None of us want to be infected by a contagion that can harm ourselves and our loved ones. Yet, when a parent or medical professional sees a sick child like in my former post, they are ready to spring into action and risk getting the infection as well. That selflessness and desire to help others heal is worthy of being contagious.
We have witnessed many selfless acts during the past couple of months. We have witnessed generosity, caring, and a willingness to stay in place while this virus took its course. Those are qualities that are worthy of being contagious.
We have witnessed selfish behavior through this pandemic too. We have seen hoarding and other unfortunate behaviors. Those are unfortunate side effects of the pandemic.
As we begin to venture out and rebuild our economies and lives, consider what behaviors you want to be contagious. Let’s spread something that we all want to be contagious.
Cartoon of a mom and a sick child in a doctor’s office. The doctor, child and mother all have spots on their skin. The doctor says, “Well whateve he has, it’s contagious.”
Because I work for an essential business, I continue to drive to work. One of the things I’ve noticed on my short commute to work is that the speeders have much more leeway as they careen about trucks and cars on the freeway. The traffic is somewhat lighter and those who love to speed have taken advantage of it.
It can’t be because they are late for an appointment. It probably isn’t because they were previously stuck in a traffic jam. It is a habit and they aren’t likely to change it unless the Highway Patrol pulls them over. It feels very strange to witness this when much of the world has been slowing down for the last month. Some people are just addicted to life in the fast lane.
How is your speed these days?
Do you feel like the world has slowed down for you?
Do you feel anxious because you relied on an adrenaline rush and this is a time of waiting?
Are you chomping at the bit and ready to get back to life in the fast lane?
If so, consider that this is a good time for preparation. This may be a good time for deep work, for goal setting or to learn a new skill. Things will get back to the fast lane. What does this slower, waiting pace enable you today?
The boy in this cartoon found a solution to his problem. He knows that if there is any chance he will have a social life in the future, he needs to show evidence he can talk to individuals of the opposite gender. When I drew this, the only thing that came to mind about “social distancing,” would have been the plight of poor, nerdy boys.
Technology can help us if we are smart about it.
It can help us keep connected as we continue to practice social distancing
It can help us get work done at home
It can keep kids going to school even as the schools are closed
But technology can also cause problems.
It can distract us from work or school
It can fill us with anxiety when we hear the same doomsday scenario over and over
It can keep us from disconnecting and make us feel like we have to be always on
How have you used technology wisely? What are some tips for those who may struggle with using it wisely?
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