This past weekend we held the official More Than a Minute book launch party. It was extremely exciting for me to have such an incredible group of people there, demonstrating their support not only for the book but also for the actions I outline in it for leaders and managers today. As you can imagine, many of the discussions at the event focused on these turbulent economic times. In my last two blog posts, I have delved into this topic but since it continues to dominate the headlines and many of our thoughts, I wanted to share a few more tips to help support you.
I am sure you’ve spent many hours thinking about the possible outcomes and what you believe might happen in your industry or specific sector in the coming months. Whether you are one of the lucky ones in a somewhat recession proof business like healthcare or in an industry that has been dramatically impacted like financial planning – you’re likely see many changes on different levels.
I suggest that you pause and do some research. While it is important to pay attention to the opinions of various experts – you should primarily be focusing on the actual data from those trusted sources. Read your industry publications and subscribe to pertinent online newsletters to see what predictions are being made. Now is the time to stay as informed as you can but arm yourself with facts and don’t succumb to the mindset that assuming every opinion offered is accurate or even informed.
Consider all the significant initiatives for your company and/or team. Determine what will drive the highest results in the short term and identify the resources necessary to make immediate progress. You may have to shift some resources or even energy from other areas for the short term but this may be necessary to ensure long term success.
Go ahead, sit down and take a good look at your calendar for next week. Cancel or postpone any meetings that are not critical or not linked to the most significant initiatives. Honestly evaluate whether that weekly meeting is really necessary. This does not mean less communication is a good thing. It means the right communication through the appropriate channel about what is truly important is where you should be focused. Don’t hold and/or attend any meetings simply because you have always had them. Try standing meetings (where all participants remain standing the entire meeting) for quick updates. Use email for one way information sharing. Call meetings when you need insight, opinions or need to communicate significant changes including “why” things are changing.
Decide what you can influence this week, block the time, turn off your pda and do something about it.
