Articles
I Can See Clearly Now
© 1996 Patricia Katz, Optimus Consulting
It doesn't matter how fast or efficiently you can get things done - if you're working on the wrong thing, you're wasting your time.
Many of the concerns related to organization and time management have to do with getting everything done in less time rather than making sure the important things are handled.
It's understandable. Struggling to sort out the larger purpose and direction is hard work. Sorting paper and projects in progress is easy in comparison.
Addressing the questions of purpose, value and direction take large chunks of uninterrupted time and lead directly to conflicting desires and destinations. Resolving these conflicts is not easy.
However, the payback is immense. When the big questions are answered, the small ones are easy.
For renewing energy and commitment, there is nothing more powerful than a retreat from daily action. You may be able to address these questions on your own or with colleagues or you may need the help of an outside facilitator to lead you through the process.
The objective is to clarify the long range purpose and mission of your business or organization. In the largest possible sense, what is it that you are trying to accomplish? In what arena? With what impact?
A clear vision (the big picture) then needs to be translated into a set of objectives for the short term. What are your specific targets and their relative importance for the coming year?.
Sharing thoughts on how you will work together is just as critical as addressing what you will tackle. Take time to discuss how you will organize yourselves to communicate, make further decisions, address problems, support each other, and celebrate your successes.
Maps that are created and then tucked away in a bottom drawer do nothing to guide a journey. Find ways to keep your plans visible. Post progress charts, reminders and images of your goals and targets.
Build in checkpoints by blocking out refocus sessions throughout the year. Set aside time every few months during the year to review the big picture, check progress and problem solve obstacles. Set dates for the refocus sessions for the entire year so they are on record from the beginning.
Create time policies that support your goals. Think in terms of minimums, maximums, annual choices and targets.
Block out a minimum of x hours per week on your calendar for High Priority Project X. Note your commitment before the time gets chewed up by lesser priorities.
Set maximum limits on involvements that are likely to pull you off course. While you pursue other priorities, you may choose to limit your volunteer involvement in community or professional associations to one executive position at a time.
Make annual choices - like which charities you will support during the next twelve months. You'll find it more straightforward and less time consuming.
to respond to donation requests through the year.
Choose a recurring job function and track how long it takes you to finish it each time. Benchmark the task to see how long it takes others to accomplish the same task. Aim to meet or better the shortest time.
When you are clear about what it is you want to make happen, committed to that vision, specific in your targets and deadlines, you will find ways to move in your direction of choice.
Patricia Katz, MCE CHRP, works with the overloaded and overwhelmed to accomplish what matters most and find more peace of mind in the process. Based in Western Canada, this speaker and author of three books specializes in productivity and perspective. To bring Patricia’s expertise to your organization, call toll free (877-728-5289).
Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost this article with the understanding that: 1) Optimus Consulting retains full copyright. 2) Contact information is included as it appears at the end of the article. 3) Patricia Katz of Optimus Consulting is contacted and sent a copy of the publication or notice of the link in which the article appears.
