Bacon on Patience
For over two months, 33 miners in Chile have remained trapped well below the surface of the earth. Incredibly, it has been possible to communicate with the miners, as well as provide them food and drink. More incredibly, as a result of an expertly engineered steel rescue capsule, the miners are now being lifted to safety. Though danger still lurks for those miners still underground, this story has given the entire world something to celebrate at a time when all news seems bleak.
Think of the patience the miners, their families, the rescuers, and the expert engineers have demonstrated — the kind of patience that could absolutely transform any business or workplace. A quote from Sir Francis Bacon, 16th-17th century English philosopher, lawyer, author and scientist (whose contributions to a new methodology for investigating all things natural just could have played a part in the miners’ rescue) describes patience uniquely.
“If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and we are patient in them, we shall end in certainties.”
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About David Whitlock
Dave Whitlock has over 25 years experience in business immigration, compliance, employment counseling, and training. In addition, Dave has extensive experience handling employment-related visa work, including both temporary and permanent visa cases, as well as advice regarding compliance with the I-9, discrimination, and document abuse provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and litigation arising under that statute.
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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John:
I have been wondering all morning if you would do a post on the miners and relate it to the workplace. The amount of cooperation and good management for such a large scale task while so many people are counting on them, and watching them, is amazing. They have demonstrated perseverance, optimism, and yes, patience.
We could ALL learn alot from them.
Nae
Thanks, Nae. This story deserves at least another post, which I plan to do. Our son is getting married in 3 days, so my blog has taken a back seat for the time being. You’re right, though, there are a lot of employment/workplaces lessons that can be learned and could probably fill up a blog for several days.
Thanks again.
John
I wonder if OSHA has been paying attention to the Chilean response.
We can all hope.