Gut feelings
Years ago, I was driving with my family on a winding road that had a very rocky shoulder. I saw a car coming around a bend from the other direction…
Years ago, I was driving with my family on a winding road that had a very rocky shoulder. I saw a car coming around a bend from the other direction and I suddenly drove off the road with the car thumping over the rocks and my wife and kids looking at me like I was out of my mind.
As I slowed to a halt, the other car swerved into our lane as its obviously inebriated driver struggled to maintain control. Had I not pulled over when I did, a head on collision would have been inevitable.
Why did I suddenly drive off the road? I had what we call a gut feeling. I have had a lot of gut feelings and one thing I have noticed about them is that I always regret it when I don't listen to them.
In business, these feelings can save you a lot of anguish. It might be something as simple as checking in with a client. Or double checking the due date on the power bill. Or it could be something more dramatic that could save you from a serious injury. Are you sure you tightened that spindle nut right before the phone rang?
It's funny in a way because often, you never really know what you missed out on. But it also might be safe to say you don't want to.
D.D.

David DeCristoforo possesses an extensive resume as designer/maker of fine furniture, high-end cabinetry and architectural woodwork. His experience in professional woodworking spans a period of 35 years. For the past 20 years David DeCristoforo Design has been located in Woodland, California. During this time David's shop has ranged in scope from a "full on" cabinet production shop with as many as 15 employees to a small fine furniture and custom millwork shop, working with his son, David RBJ, a highly skilled maker in his own right.