WHAT YOU DO NOT INSPECT WILL NOT BE RESPECTED

About three weeks ago, I became tired of constantly searching for pencils and pens whenever I wanted to study with my children. It felt like a small issue, but it was costing us time, money and discipline.

So I stopped tolerating it.

I drove to Jewel Multiservices at Area 1 and bought pencils, pens, erasers, rulers and a proper stationery container. I placed it close to the dining area where we study.

Then I gave clear instructions: Every item taken must be returned immediately after use. Replacements will only happen when the ink finishes or the pencil lead is exhausted. If I check and anything is missing, everyone answers.

Day one: a pen and pencil were missing. Blame game started. Eventually, they were found and returned.

Day two: same thing.

Day three and four: nothing missing.

It has now been three weeks. Only one pencil is gone, the lead finished. One pen is missing, perhaps a visitor who did not know our rule.

Inspection changed behaviour.

A few days ago, while reviewing why sales at Jewel Multiservices were poor, I discovered something similar. The team was simply waiting for customers to walk in. No digital marketing. No physical marketing. Just hope.

I addressed it immediately.

The next day, marketing content began to appear.

Again, inspection changed behaviour.

Here is the lesson:

WHAT YOU DO NOT INSPECT WILL NOT BE RESPECTED.

When you pay attention to something, people treat it differently. When you monitor it, performance improves. When you ignore it, abuse becomes inevitable.

If it matters to you, inspect it.

Shalom.

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