Is it REALLY a priority?

There is a lot of information on how to be more productive not only at the workplace but also in one’s personal affairs.

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reading and research on this very topic.  One book that I highly recommend is “Folding Time” by my good friend and internationally renowned productivity expert, Neen James.

One of the most common mistakes that organizations make is misidentifying priorities.  Doing so kills productivity.  What do I mean?  There are many examples.  Let’s examine a couple that are prevalent:

Our employees need to be more engaged.  For full disclosure, I am not a big fan of the term “engagement.”  I think that’s it’s overused to the point of it being sociologically cliché.  When I talk to clients, I encourage them to create loyal employees.  To do so, the organization must have a solid and effective value proposition.  Get the employees “on board” with that, give them the resources they need to succeed, provide growth opportunities, and watch how quickly loyalty is created.

We need training on _______.  Organizations decide that their employees are lacking in a certain area.  It might be a specific skill set (sales skills, service, building relationships, etc.)  Executives realize that if their employees get better at those things, they will be more productive.  They will work smarter….not harder.  They will reach and exceed the goals that have been set.  They will be happier and the company will benefit.

We need to perform an analysis of the competitive forces that exist in our market.  A thorough understanding of any organization’s marketplace is crucial to its success.  Enough said.

So, now you’ve identified some priorities.  Now just GO and TAKE ACTION on them!  Simple enough, right?

Not so fast.  Unfortunately, something else happens in entirely too many cases.  Namely, the organizations collect information, perform due diligence, obtain proposals, and then…..

“Maybe we can fit it in for next year…..”

“We’re too busy for this right now….”

“We’re still thinking about it.  Yes, we know.  It’s been 6 months….”

“Our meetings get in the way…..”

“So and so didn’t do their part….”

Do any of these excuses sound familiar?   Here’s how the best organizations deal with what they’ve identified as priorities:

They don’t let other things get in the way of completing the tasks associated with going into action. 

If something is truly a priority, they are ready to act immediately when they are presented with a plan that can help get the job done. 

They don’t get “buyer’s remorse” before they even buy.

Everything that is not on that “priority” list will have to wait.  Period.

So when you’re identifying priorities in your organization, make sure that they are really and truly the most important things that you should be working on right now.

If you’re not prepared to ACT, it’s not a priority.  It may be on your organization’s Wish List.  That’s fine.  But be honest with yourself and others that might be counting on you to “flip the switch” that puts a plan in motion.  If you don’t, you’re just wasting valuable time.

Look for my new book in late-summer or early-fall 2014!!
The first book, Stop Complaining! Start Growing! Is available through Amazon here.
Who’s facilitating your Strategic Planning Session this year?

 

Sean McDonald

Sean McDonald

Sean McDonald is the President of Your Full Potential, LLC and the Founder of ABSURD! Leadership.  He is a highly regarded speaker at national and international conferences for the credit ... Web: www.YFPTips.com Details