January 2009
The Essence of Orderliness
Orderliness involves analyzing a situation to identify its guiding purpose, organizing all relevant elements according to that purpose, and maintaining the discipline necessary to achieve that purpose.
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Analyzing
Orderliness is stepping back to analyze the bigger picture. "What is the purpose of this room?" "What do I want to accomplish at this desk?"
Before you can order something, you must understand its purpose. Clarifying the purpose for a room will help you determine what belongs in the room and how to arrange the room.
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Organizing
A neat room is not necessarily an orderly one. Organizing a space involves arranging its contents according to a set of guiding principles.
A filing cabinet exists for the purpose of keeping records easily accessible. In an orderly filing cabinet, you organize records by category or by date or by some other guiding principle. Similarly, the equipment in a room should be organized so that the room can serve its purpose.
Maintaining
Keeping things neat and orderly takes less work and more self-discipline. Keep the purpose of a room in mind, return items to where they belong, and dispose of items that do not belong.
Learn more about Orderliness in the Members' Library:
The Member's Library has a new, improved home page—check it out at http://members.characterfirst.com/
The Next Generation
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By Robert Greenlaw
Two months ago, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. When I first held Elliot, I contemplated the enormous responsibility he brings. How will I care for this boy? How will I teach him what he needs to know? What will happen to him in the years ahead?
As I pondered these questions, I thought of three things my parents did, which I will strive to do with my children.
Teach by Example
Example speaks louder than words. What kind of example am I setting for Elliot? How do I act when I feel tired or upset? How do I treat my wife and others? How do I react to failure or success? What is my attitude toward work?
Teach by Word
My parents made it their mission to teach me right from wrong. They told personal stories about good decisions and bad decisions-and what they learned. We read the Proverbs of Solomon and children's literature that taught me truthfulness, kindness, forgiveness, responsibility, patience, and many other moral truths.
Teach by Encouragement
Words are powerful. When Mom or Dad thanked me for cleaning my room or doing my homework, it motivated me to do it again. When they spoke highly of someone who worked hard or told the truth, I wanted to be diligent and honest, too.
Whether you have young children or not, please join me in helping the next generation develop the knowledge and character needed to become responsible, caring, and productive adults.
Robert Greenlaw began working for Character First! in 1996, and he currently manages the Character First! Publications department.
Student Guides
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Need ideas for helping young people build character?
Download a sample elementary, intermediate, or advanced Student Guide, or visit the store to purchase a set of nine student guides for $6.
Series One Qualities: Attentiveness, Obedience, Truthfulness, Gratefulness, Generosity, Orderliness, Forgiveness, Sincerity, Virtue
Get Training
Since 1996, thousands of business owners, managers, supervisors, and community leaders have attended Character First! Seminars and learned how to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build teamwork.
Have you ever wondered how to effectively correct bad attitudes? Do you wonder how to encourage coworkers, friends, and family members? Would you like to improve your communication and resolve anger?
Meet Tom Hill, John Burnett, and the Character First! team in Oklahoma City at one of the following seminars, or find a local seminar taught by a Character First! Consultant.
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Basic & Advanced Implementation Seminar
February 24-25, 2009
April 28-29, 2009
October 27-28, 2009
Effective Leadership Seminar
August 25-26, 2009
Character Community Seminar
September 21-23, 2009
Read testimonials, browse course descriptions, download information, or register now.
Orderliness Thoughts
"It is amazing how much both happiness and efficiency can be increased by the cultivation of an orderly mind, which thinks about a matter adequately at the right time rather than inadequately at all times." -Bertrand Russell
"As the beams to a house, as the bones to the microcosm of man, so is order to all things." -Robert Southey
"Pick up after yourself." -Mom
"Have a time and a place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying, as if vainly attempting to overtake time that had been lost." -Tyron Edwards
