By David Phillips
The HFTB Factor
That acronym stands for Hope For The Best. What could be wrong with that, right? Let’s dig a little deeper. I’ve spent more than half of my life in and around the utility construction business, and at times, it can be risky work. Some in that business are willing to flirt with greater risks, in order to accomplish a greater gain in the end. Often, it is nothing more than just refusing to take a little extra time, or not going to a little bit more trouble to be careful, and hoping for the best. The fact that it often works out without producing disaster makes some folks keep doing it over and over again. A properly trained flagman who skillfully directs traffic through a dangerous construction zone is quite a bit more expensive than just having the lowest paid laborer step out and wave his arms occasionally when traffic gets really snarled. The former is doing all he can to keep things safe. The latter is making a slight effort, and hoping for the best. There are plenty of other illustrations, from all industries across the board, but I think there’s a spiritual lesson to be seen here.