The Brilliant Advisor
Meeting Deadlines Powerfully...
Dear Coach,
I am having a really tough time trying to meet all my deadlines with success. It wasn't always like this. It's seems like this is getting worse as I see more things being added to my "to do" list. Help! I'm drowning!
Swamped, Frank B. in WI
Dear Frank,
First I would like to suggest that you inhale and exhale three times. I am quite serious with this suggestion- it tends to allow you to put everything on "pause". Just try it and feel the stress lift for a bit!
I strongly encourage you to make a list of what is most pressing on your calendar at the moment. Whether it is 5 items or 50 items it doesn't matter, simply make your list right now. The best way to start working on completing projects is to block off time to complete them. Once you have your list, assess which items are most urgent. Until you are caught up with managing your timelines effectively, this will be your focus area. If you depend on others to assist you in completing your projects, please see my suggestion to Joe (below) about "face time".
The secret to successfully blocking off time to complete projects: schedule them into your calendar as if your project work time is a meeting. If you do this, you will allow yourself to work, uniterrupted, so you can accomplish what is necessary for you to meet your deadline. I admit, this involves a great deal of self-discipline to keep these critical appointments with yourself!
Additionally, if you are relying on others to accomplish your project, create artificial deadlines which are due prior to when you need it completed (not a bad habit to get into one you start getting caught up). I call this "creating cush(ion)". If you work at this diligently to become "the King of Cush", you will be able to feel as if you are the master of your universe again!
These are just some of the basics that are discussed in the Productivity Progam, which you can find on our Programs Tab. If you are committed to slaying this dragon, register yourself for the next session. Let us know if you have further questions on how to become a Compteitive Advantage!
Possibility of an Ongoing Shining Moment for Joe in Texas... Dear Coach, My company has been down-sizing for 3 months. I am frustrated because they expect us to do the same amount of work with less people. How can I help my team be more productive to complete their projects so my boss isn't breathing down my neck so much? Frustrated, Joe W. in Texas Dear Joe, Unfortunately your question is becoming more common these days! Let's begin with some basics... are you, as a leader and manager, taking time to get a clear understanding of your team's priorities? Are you spending enough time with each direct report or team member so they understand what it is they need to accomplish? Author Stephen Covey says, "first things first", so let's begin at the beginning. You can make your life easier as soon as tomorrow if you have clarity regarding what you must accomplish first. No, this isn't a bunch of hooey, which always runs downhill in an organization. Rather it is of light shining so brightly that upper management must take notice of a job done so brilliantly! I know this sounds too easy, but hang with me... Clarity with your boss will help you determine how your team spends countless work hours to meet the corporate objectives. Once you have the clarity, because you have taken the time to "sit-down" with your boss, go back and share these critical points and deadlines with your team. Make sure that each member understands their role for the project to be completed successfully. It is important for your team to map the process of the project. This will assist the whole team to thoroughly understand each step and own their responsibilities of said project. Yes, accountability. Too often an individual member forgets what they do, or don't do, impacts the next person's performance and success of the overall project. Ownership of performance is the key and it seems to be conveyed effectively through process mapping for most companies. Additionally, if you are the manager or leader of said project, make sure that you are having "face time" with each member of your team EACH DAY. Yes, each day's conversation is imperative for everyone to have a complete understanding of what is occurring and how their part interfaces with the timeline of the project. If you start showing up in front of your members each day, they will get in a rhythm of sharing everything with you in real-time. Isn't that wonderful? No more surprises, especially at deadline time! If you don't already spend 5-10 minutes each day with each of your direct reports or team members of a project, perhaps it is time that you do! You will be amazed at how much clarity and direction this will provide for you to be highly effective because you are aware of real time issues and can tend to them immediately. Two books I would strongly encourage you to read: First Things First and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, both by Stephen Covey. If you have further questions Joe, send me an email (the link is on the left) or call me at 262-716-7750 to discuss if one-on-one coaching or which programs may best address your particular scenario. And, don't forget to sign-up for our free newsletter (on the left sidebar). Brilliant Breakthroughs, Inc. understands that a company is only as good as the employees it hires. Most people want to do a good job. We acknowledge that some people just need some mentoring to shine brightly! The services and programs offered by Brilliant Breakthroughs provide additional assistance for Business Leaders, Employees, and Organizations that are committed to being a Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace ... Transforming Your Professional Fate into Personal Destiny!
