It is a mistake to put off for tomorrow what can get done — or at least get started — today. We’ve all heard this saying before, but it still holds true. This logic applies to the myriad of daily tasks, large and small, that need to be accomplished to realize our goals.
We all need more intentional urgency. Complacency and indecision are killers for any organization. We need to determine what needs to be done, and by when. Then we need to get busy accomplishing each task.
Never confuse activity for accomplishment. Stay on track, and focused on the actions you’ve committed to. Hold others accountable to get things done on time. Urgency matters!
Avoid Complacency
There are times when things are going well, and we may be tempted to believe we have it all figured out. We relax a bit too much, figuring we’re entitled to coast for a while on our positive momentum. Then, something happens to change the game.
Being too satisfied or even smug about our success can be expensive. Effective leaders stay focused on the day-to-day operating plan, as well as the bigger strategic picture. They are fully aware of what could get in the way to accomplishing short and long-term goals.
There are many reasons why we shouldn’t get too comfortable where we are. Business or operating environments can change rapidly. New government regulations or competitive challenges may be on the horizon. Systems, processes, and technologies may become overloaded. Key people may leave unexpectedly. It’s also possible that we were never really as secure or well-prepared as we thought we were.
There is always room for improvement. Even when you are number one in your market, there is someone out there intent on supplanting you.
We can remain more grounded by staying in touch with our market share versus our competitors, what customers think about us, and what employees think about the company. Within each of these categories, you will find plenty of room for growth and improvement.
Staying on Track
We need to challenge the time frames we give ourselves to get things done. I’m not talking about being unrealistic or overly aggressive, but to know our limits we have to push the boundaries.
Don’t buy into the notion that, if we underpromise or make the schedule easy, we will overperform and get things done more quickly. It just doesn’t work that way. We somehow manage to fill up whatever additional time we have, knowing subconsciously that we have more time to get things done before the deadline. When we schedule more tightly, we can get far more accomplished. Learn to appreciate a greater sense of urgency.
We are capable of accomplishing far more than we realize, but it takes a thorough and intentional plan, with clear priorities to guide our daily and long-term actions. Block the time necessary to get everything done. It helps you stay on track.
Accountability is Critical
Effective leaders make sure everyone knows what is expected, both as a team, and as individual contributors. There must be a clear understanding of who is accountable for what, and the authority they have been given to get the job done. Ambiguity about responsibility and authority will slow down progress and create frustration.
Remember, no matter how much we can personally accomplish, the entire team must do their part and be held accountable.
There is a difference between preparation and procrastination. Understanding issues, challenges, and barriers is useful. But we have to do something about it. The faster we act once we have the facts, the better the outcome.
When we know what to do, then it is time to perform with urgency.
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Tags: Accountability, Action, Planning, Urgency
Jerry Baker began his career in the management development program at Ford Motor Company, later became a manager of budgets and analysis for Northrop Corporation, then furthered his management development as Deputy Director for the California Department of Commerce when Ronald Reagan was Governor.