Four Views
Each time I get in my car there are four crucial places I look to keep me on track to my destination.
- forward through the windshield
- backward, as reflected by the rear-view mirror, or backup camera
- to each side using the side-view mirrors and door windows.
- Ignoring any or some of these can be dangerous.
I think this same principle of looking four ways can apply to other areas of our lives.
In business, we need to
- look forward seeing where we are headed, even deciding what direction we are going. One of my favorite quotes is from Andy Stanley and it says: “direction, not intention determines destination.”
- backward, to see where we have been, bringing along the best of the past and learning from the worst.
- side-to-side, to see who is coming along with us and who we are missing, giving us a chance to slow down to let someone catch up or cut them loose so we can move forward.
In our families, we need to
- look forward to determining a direction toward our set values.
- to the side to investigate what may be trying to influence or infiltrate our family going against determined values.
- to the rear to remember events that helped shape our values, shape our future or just reminisce on good times together.
Caution
All four views are important but, looking forward deserves our highest attention as neglecting this view can easily get us off course and even into accidents.
