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Measure Twice, Cut Once
May 19th, 2024
by Bill Boyajian

We’ve all heard the phrase “measure twice, cut once.”  That works well in carpentry, machine fabrication, construction, and many other trades.  But seldom do we practice this principle in leadership and management.  The way to apply it is really pretty simple.

We often get frustrated, even angry, in our daily work.  People and situations upset us, and circumstances pile up that cause us to lose our cool.  In such instances, a good reminder would be to measure twice and cut once.  But how does this work with people?

We need to think twice before acting or reacting.  If we think only once and respond immediately and emotionally to situations, we often blow it by over-reacting.  In turn, we create yet another problem by saying or doing something we regret.

We’ve also heard the old adage to write out a response, letter, text, or email, but to sleep on it before sending it.  Our frustrations and demeanor often change after a good night’s sleep.  

Yet you don’t always have an evening to react to issues that come up during the day, especially those that require an almost immediate response or decision.  That’s why it’s important to think twice and take your time to react, hopefully with grace and dignity.

So the next time you’re close to blowing your fuse, think twice and exercise wisdom in your response.



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–Charles Denaburg,
Managing Partner,
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Birmingham, AL

"Our family needed some guidance on business transition and succession planning. We asked Bill Boyajian to help us because we knew we could trust him to tell us what we needed to hear. Bill became a valuable resource for our company and our entire family. He has the ability to meet each of us where we’re at and it has served us very well."

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Leitzel Fine Jewelry
Hershey & Myerstown, PA

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–Ernie & Debbie Cummings
Kizer-Cummings Jewelers
Lawrence, KS