B計畫

幸運的是，我的朋友以前曾有經驗過，裝設新系統總是會有預料之外的事情發生。所以呢，與其期待每一件事都順利進行，他在心裡已經有最壞的打算了。這並不是悲觀而是實際。就如墨菲定律所說的：「如果事情要出錯，他們就會如此。」

幾個月之後，我的朋友發現了工程施工六個月也無法完成，這家施工的公司還說，到完工至少需要一年。

還好我的朋友很有智慧地保留了他的舊系統，一直到新系統可以如廠商所說的有效運作。因為他總是有B計畫，因此一個重大的危機就可以避免了。

另一個故事是發生在我在報社當助理編輯的朋友身上。一個星期六的早上，當他在檢查報紙頭幾個版面時，一個最新消息把他原本的編排計畫完全打亂了！幸運的是，主編剛好經過檢查進度，所以他就協助這個助理編輯，使報紙可以在預訂時間內送去印刷。

因為太常遇到意外狀況了，這個資深的主編就給我的朋友一個良心的建議－永遠要有B計畫。

在第一個故事裡，我的朋友遇到對方無法實踐他的承諾。但，即使對方完成了也不表示其他的困難不會出現。

這就是為什麼聖經告訴我們，在為未來做計劃時必須要很謹慎。例如，箴言14章15節就教導我們：「 愚蒙人是話都信；通達人步步謹慎。」

另一個經文也強調，對突如其來的變化要有心理準備：「你要在外頭預備工料，在田間辦理整齊，然後建造房屋。」（箴言24章27節）。換句話說，不管是你的公司或是家裡，要先確定你的長程目標，然後從每一件小的、重要的事物開始做起。

在第一個故事裡，我的朋友明白，新的系統的確會使效率大大的提升，但是他的公司也需要保持目前的營運狀況。所以，記得這句話－一個好的B計畫會讓許多麻煩事遠離你。

本文版權為正直資源中心（Integrity Resource Center, Inc.）所有。本文獲得授權改編自「瑞克．博克思的正直時刻Integrity Moments with Rich Boxx」。這系列的文章是以一個基督徒的觀點評論職場的正直議題。想要更多了解正直資源中心或想要收到電子文件的「瑞克每天的正直時刻Rick”s daily Integrity Moments」系列文章，請上網www.integrityresource.org。他的書「如何生意興隆而不犧牲正直」提供人們正直地作生意的方法。

Fortunately, my friend was experienced and wise enough to realize that unexpected complications can and often do occur in putting new systems in place. So rather than presuming everything would proceed smoothly without a hitch, he prepared for the worst. He was not being pessimistic; he was being realistic – as Murphy”s Law states, “If things can go wrong, they will.”

Months into the process, my friend discovered the six-month timetable would not be reached. The vendor had to concede they were at least a year away from a reasonable implementation date.

Wisely, my friend had chosen to continue running his existing system as a backup plan, keeping it functional until the new system proved to be as efficient as promised. Because he had kept a “Plan B” in place as a contingency, a potential crisis was averted.

This was a lesson another friend learned in a different way when he was an assistant editor working on a newspaper. Working on the front pages of the newspaper one Saturday morning, he became alarmed when breaking news suddenly turned his carefully thought-out plans upside-down. Fortunately, the managing editor had stopped by just to see how things were progressing and was able to come to my friend”s aid, getting the newspaper to the presses on time.

Accustomed to expecting the unexpected, the senior newspaper executive offered this admonition to my friend: “Always have a Plan B.”

In the case of my business friend, the “unexpected” was that the salesperson for the software vendor had made a commitment the company could not fulfill. However, even if the assurances had been reasonable, there was always a possibility that some other obstacle could arise to disrupt the schedule.

That is why the Bible advises caution in planning and preparing for the future. For instance, Proverbs 14:15 teaches, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."

Another passage also addresses the importance of anticipating sudden changes. “Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27). In other words, ensure your long-term provisions – whether for your company or your household – and then focus on lower priorities.

My business friend understood that although the new software system would result in significant improvements, it was essential that his company”s productivity not be disrupted in the meantime. Having a good backup plan can prevent things from backing up unnecessarily!

Copyright 2013, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick”s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.