Day #748 - Systems and Safety

Investing your trust

It’s been a big day today: Meadow had to have a small operation, so we were up to the hospital very early for her general anaesthetic. The doctors and nurses, technicians, receptionists and housekeeping staff were all wonderful, and we felt in very safe hands. But nonetheless, at the end of the day we are all exhausted, and Meadow is asleep in my arms.

It’s a difficult thing, to put your trust into the hands of others. Especially when so many different people are involved in the process. And when you know that excellence is not simply about process, not simply about systems: it’s about how people weave themselves into it.

Like the nurse who heard that Meadow liked elephants, and showed her their elephant tattoo. Or the surgeon who took the time at the end of their shift to come by the door to wave goodbye. Or the parking attendant who secretly let us out of the car park for free when they saw her in our arms.

Strength is a dynamic interplay of robust system, adaptive process, and personal investment.

Use your sixty seconds today to think about a time when you have put something valuable into someone else’s hands.

What made you feel safe?