In a business world where more is coming at you than you can address or even process, how can you stay on top of what is important while effectively leading your team AND managing UP? Let’s face it, if you don’t have YOUR poop in a group, your employees will lose confidence in your leadership, and your superiors may stop taking you seriously. While there are a myriad of organizational and time management systems out there, there is certainly not a one-size fits all method. That being said, today I want to share simple principles that will have a big impact on just getting you started!
1. Star with the “what” and back in to the “when.”: As SOON as you get a new project, decide WHAT needs to happen. Once you have a clear picture of how long the project will take, which key stakeholders you will involve, what resources you need, etc…you can easily identify what needs to happen step-by-step until you back up all the way to TODAY and what you should be doing to jump start the project. Mark your calendar with mini-deadlines and notes to help you remember exactly the steps you should have accomplished by then.
I know. You are looking at these words like, “REALLY? This isn’t profound. THIS is your expert advice?” YES. You know you have winged it more than you’ll admit because you won’t slow down to devleop a plan. Then you scramble at the last minute, making your lack of planning everyone else’s emergency. STOP THE INSANITY. Invest 15 minutes in a plan and it will change your life. <Insert cheesy infomercial music here.>
2. Get your poop in a group at home: What does this have to do with work? Well, if you are constantly stressed about what you didn’t get to in your personal life or are starting your day by scrambling to get a bill payed, running to the store to get your contribution to the school party or letting your family down because you forgot to jot down an event that ended up conflicting with work, how does that serve you in your 9-5? It doesn’t. So, this leads me to my third and final tip…
3. SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! <Said by professional voice over guy screaming really loud from your TV>: This is your official day to get thy poopeth in a groupeth. I will share in some detail my own Sunday process in my next blog post, but think of this day to look ahead to your upcoming week to come up with your game and take action for your future success.
So there you have it. Three simple principles and you will look like a rock star at work, give confidence to your team and win in your personal life to boot. For the record, I am paper-certified Adult ADD. So if I can do it, you can do it. You just have to choose to embrace your Mega Moxie!
What are your tried and true principles for remaining on top of your game (AKA keeping your poop in a group)?!