Sometimes as a leader, business owner, manager, we need a raw reality check! We all need those from time to time to achieve what we desire!
We great distracted. We have so many things tugging at our attention…that may have less to do with what really needs to get done.
If fact for those of us with a ton of responsibility, there are lots of things that need to get done. But some sooner than others – timing is critical. The challenge for us?…keeping the main thing the main thing.
So how do we practically do that? In a recent conversation with an executive client, we discussed a very simple method that can be used to easily coach this issue in an highly-effective way…and in a way that is little recognized.
The cool thing is this method does not require some highfalutin coaching engagement and…the really good news???? It’s free!
Imagine doing something for free and being able to get a high financial return! :-)
Here’s what I suggested – use 2 simple time management practices – time mapping and/or time tracking using a week at a glance spreadsheet or calendar tool.
Why? Time usage is a truth teller!…and it reflects 2 critical areas of getting the right things done at the right time to achieve desired activity and results.
Area 1 > How and what decisions are made through-out the cycle of the week.
Area 2 > How those decisions correspond and align with pre-determined, strategic targets & goals.
This may sound really strange, but hang with me here.
If we’re not achieving the results we want, the main reason is…we are choosing not to!
Now, we may not be clearly conscious of this truth for a variety of reasons…we’re stressed, we’re working at a fast past, our busy is overriding clear strategic thinking, outside forces are managing us vs. us managing them, we’re in a state of constant f.o.g. – fear, obligation & guilt causing confusion and overwhelm…the list goes on.
Here is the essential key – our decision-making drives our results. So, using time usage to help us build awareness of our decision-making is a highly useful and profitable endeavor.
Also, doing this within tight time cycles – a day or week, we can quickly course correct so that we can rapidly improve performance and results. Why wait a month or quarter to assess and change what can be done in shorter periods of time? Why not improve faster? It’s your choice.