If you are a CEO or leader of a division in today’s world, you probably take issue with that statement. And I don’t blame you. You have year-end coming up and your hustling to make the numbers. You are struggling to find the right people to fill essential jobs. You can’t believe the pace of change in technology and what others are doing and while you may be interested in knowing what is going on beyond your four walls, who has time to read?
Ok so it will never be easy. But here are three guidelines to follow that make it easier. Hopefully, just in time to make your end of year push the most productive it has ever been.
- Identify what matters most. What will have the biggest impact on the organization in the next weeks, months and years? Not everything is created equally and it is not all important, even if it is urgent. As the leader of the organization it is essential you focus on those things that make the most difference and those things that only you as the leader can do. Don’t get lost in the weeds.
- Ask the right questions. Your job is to make sure everyone does theirs exceptionally well. To do that, make sure they too are working on the right things, not just doing things right. Focus less on the execution and more on the prioritization to get more bang for your buck.
- Engage everyone. Your company is only as strong as its weakest link. You are the #1 communicator and cheerleader for your company and nobody else can do that as well as you. You can have more impact on the books by motivating your collective braintrust and being sure they understand what the company’s strategy and priorities are then by spending time reviewing financials. Financials are a lagging indicator of success; leave your imprint on the leading indicators, including your people!
(Photo: Calita Kabir via Flickr)