Make Sure The Main Thing Is The Main Thing

Put first things first

Begin with the end in mind

Prioritize

Make sure the main thing is the MAIN thing

 

Most likely you have heard all of these mantras numerous times.  In fact very few people would disagree that it is in their best interest to spend most of their time on the things that matter most.  So why is it that we often look back on our day, in astonishment and say, “I was busy all day and I never got to the main thing”?

 

The reality is that there are many things that can distract us every day.  Things that Stephen Covey would describe as urgent and unimportant, such as phone calls, emails, co-worker banter – the list goes on.  How do we keep on track, or at least get back on track quickly when we wonder off the trail?  If you have ever been involved in orienteering and used a compass to navigate your way through the bush to reach a destination you are aware of two things.  The compass is only useful if you know how to read it and you have the coordinates of the final destination.  It also helps dramatically if you have check points along the way to confirm that you are on course. 

 

In the business jungle your Vision Statement defines the destination, as we discussed last month in Success is Clearly in View.  Once you are clear on the destination you have an opportunity to choose the critical things along the way that will tell you and others who follow you that the team is on track.  We call these Key Success Factors (KSF).  Key Success Factors are powerful guides for your followers because they define what is important in the midst of all that appears urgent.  Your ultimate destination may seem far off and even out of site when you are in the thick of daily transactions.  Well defined KSF are measurable things that everyone on the teams knows take priority every day.  This understanding makes it easier for folks to choose the best course of action in the heat of the moment and when we get distracted knowing the KSF helps us get back on track quickly.

 

In order to determine your Key Success Factors answer the following questions:

  1. What are the activities we engage in that contribute the most to our mission of…?
  2. What has to happen on a regular basis to ensure we keep our commitments to clients?
  3. What are the critical aspects of my role that contribute to the success of others on our team?

Check the importance of the KSF you have chosen by answering the question, “What will happen if I don’t do….?”

 

For more thoughts and tips on achieving your Vision please visit our website at www.spiritedleaders.ca

 

Cecil Hayes,

Spirited Leaders Corporation

March 7, 2011