A common question. Just log in to Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. You can report what you’re doing to the whole world.
Many leaders, owners and managers thrive on “getting things done.” Their satisfaction comes from “doing.” But the best leaders take the time to reflect and ask, “What am I really accomplishing?”
They understand there's a difference between doing and accomplishing.
If you’re like many leaders with whom I work, you may be so busy doing that your vision gets blurry. You lose sight of the road. If so, return to some of the basics of goal setting.
Take a couple of minutes to reflect on the following:
1. WHAT you want to accomplish.
Set the timeframe that works for you. You might start by determining what you want to accomplish this week, or this month.
Describe the outcomes or results you want to see…the impact you want to make. Do you want to identify a new market? Open a new business relationship? Secure a new project? Express your desire in the form of a goal.
For example, if you manage a team, it’s tempting to think one of your goals is to lead a team meeting this month. But perhaps the real goal is to engage your team, to build stronger accountability or to improve team communication to better serve your clients. The meeting is one possible means.
2. WHY you want to accomplish your goal
Test the priority of the goal. How important is that goal in the context of other goals or priorities? If it’s not toward the top of your priority list (assuming you have one), why are you spending time on it?
While you can’t always work on top priorities, be aware when you’re not focused on them. Avoid seemingly small distractions that can turn into major disruptions and take you off track for too long.
In some businesses, deciding what kind of coffee to order for the office overshadows more important priorities.
3. HOW you’ll achieve your goal
Slow down. Think through your options. You do have them. It’s easy to make quick assumptions about what you think you should do.
For example, one client spent hours trying to create the perfect PowerPoint presentation to impress a prospect. He agonized over the number of slides, font size, etc. In retrospect, he realized he should have been spending more time researching the needs and goals of the prospective client, and building the relationship.
Depending on your goal, you might consider other people’s ideas and input. On the other hand, at times there may be too many cooks in the kitchen. In the end, you have to go with your gut.
What should you be doing?
- Assess what you’re accomplishing through an objective lens.
- Clearly visualize your ultimate destination.
- Determine the milestones you want to achieve along the way so you can avoid veering off the road.
- Learn and improve as you go.
And if you’re a leader, help those you lead do the same!
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On the Lighter Side
There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. ~ Mary Wilson Little
New leadership resources are in development! Keep me posted on your needs and goals.
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