Cover Yourself

Years ago in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, I was a district manager for a major security firm in Southern California. It was a salaried position that paid 40 hours, but I was on call 24/7, and frequently put in over 70 hours a week, and thousands of miles on my own personal vehicle, even though I was supplied with a company car. It was very stressful.

Part of the job requirements was that I kept a detailed journal of my daily activities, as were each of my 350+ employees. Every day and night, I and my subordinate supervisors would go around and inspect the employees journals. It became very interesting reading to see what each employee considered noteworthy. When I left the company in 2003, I continued the habit and carried it into my normal workday life.

Now while I don’t stop in the middle of my present job to write something down in a notebook, I keep a mental log of what is going on, and sometimes jot more pertinent stuff down on an index card. While most things going on in the average workday are pretty boring, there are some things that are truly noteworthy.

What to Jot Down

If you are experiencing a particularly busy day, write about it. People lose their sense of accuracy when they are overwhelmed. If there is a conflict, or an injury, a dissatisfied customer or even a promotion, write about it. Even little things can have a big impact later. Who called out today? Who went home sick? Did someone have a bad attitude? Did you see someone steal something?

Keeping a detailed journal of your workday can give you immediate access to what happened three weeks ago if the question should ever be asked.

Most Importantly

If you ever get injured on the job, write down in great detail what happened, who you spoke to, how it was handled, etc. If your injury will take several days to heal, or you require medical or surgical attention, make sure that you document every single iota of information pertaining to your injury, especially the events leading up to it, and every detail until you are healed. This will help you immensely in processing insurance or Worker’s Compensation claims, and will act as evidence on your behalf if someone should refute your statements.

Journaling can be used in a myriad of ways from pleasure to business. It can help you to relieve stress and anxiety, and to help you cope with difficult situations.

I hope that this short piece gives someone some food for thought, and that it was helpful.

It is a cold night here in Lulawissie. The lake’s edges are crusting over with ice again, only to be recycled once more when the morning sun comes up. The loons and wood ducks are huddled under the docks keeping warm, and even in this cold crisp air, you can hear the Ivory Bill Woodpeckers on Fahy’s Island cooing as they fluff their feathers.

As always, my friends, I wish you well. Do good deeds for someone you don’t know, give thanks to the Good Lord for all things you are blessed with, and stay in good health.

I bid you peace.

_{©2012 By Del Banks}