Progress Trumps Resolutions

So the new year is upon us...lame resolutions have been proclaimed...and right on schedule are now broken and discarded. I'm not a big fan of annual declarations of how we're going to transform our lives from our wish list to reality. I am a big fan however, of making progress.

Realistic
What is happening in your world right now...personally...professionally? What needs to get done this year? If you had to prioritize the most important projects at work, what would they be? Take a moment and think about them. What are they? When do they need to be accomplished? What are the consequences of not getting them done?

You can document them here.

What about at home? What needs to get done this year? Are you as fit as you would like to be? Do you have any major decisions that are overdue and need to be addressed in 2014? Open up that same app and document those items too.

Progress
Once you know what needs to get done versus your fantasy wish list that evaporates by January 7th, you can start taking action. Remember, the key is that you make progress, not that you accomplish everything on your list by the end of January.

If your work has become more and more complex, then perhaps getting organized will be a huge step forward this year. Not only will that help you feel more in control, but you will be amazed at how productive you will be. 

If you are not as healthy or fit as you need to be, then follow the same strategy. Get organized, do some research, check out the #hrfitcrew hashtag and start on a path that helps you make progress. 

Patience is required. Commitment is required. Putting pressure on yourself to look like Shaun T or Jillian Michaels is not.

How About You
How are you going to make progress this year? Are you going to re-frame success as a series of positive steps forward; or, is it still an all-or-nothing-guaranteed-to-fail-option in the first week of the year? I'm big into this issue, so if you'd ever like to strategize a bit let me know.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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The Best Meeting I Ever Attended

Yes, there was only one...and it really was the best meeting I ever attended. It was well organized, had a clear agenda, stayed within each topic's timelines, engaged every attendee (all 75 of them!), and delivered a high quality work product at the end.

It was the best meeting I ever attended. And now I lament the fact that my master list of "best" meetings  is so short that even thinking about mentioning a "couple of best meetings" feels like I'm lying through my teeth.

Shouldn't All Meeting Be That Good

No, they shouldn't. The meeting I'm talking about was special, with a diverse group of attendees. It had strategy, emotional stories, clearly defined objectives, and passion. A boat load of passion. Most meetings are not intended to change the (organization's) world. Most meetings are meant to keep organizations on track...moving forward...reporting out results...sharing ideas...communicating information...right?

Oh yes, and then there's the other 75% of meetings that suck.

Hating On Meetings

Okay, I'm a meeting-hater who spends the overwhelming majority of every business day in meetings. I'm a pretty organized guy, but that doesn't mean I'm always perfectly prepared. I'm guilty as sin of  not holding others accountable when meetings drift and meander, but that doesn't mean I don't actively participate in every meeting.

What's a meeting-hater to do? Stop going? Stop scheduling? Stop participating?

Hating on the Meeting-Hater

When I think about that special meeting one key point seems to keep coming back to me. No matter how I try to twist the truth, or write my own revisionist meeting history, I can't avoid the reality. I was fired up going in to that session. I felt like the outcome of that meeting depended on me...personally...doing a good job.

I was one of the meeting organizers, I had an important role to play before, during and after. This meeting meant something to me. 

Hmm. I wonder if I took that same approach with every meeting I attend if they might go better? Maybe my energy, enthusiasm, preparedness, and commitment could change the outcome of the meetings that I so easily feel comfortable hating? I wonder if my colleagues and team members would notice?

How About You

Have you ever been to a meeting? If you have, and particularly if you've attended more than one, you may have noticed that not all meetings are the same. Maybe if you and I commit to making each one effective we might just change the world? Or, at least our organizations.

I'd love to hear from you

No Excuses.

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It's Essential

I'm at a hectic time in my work life. New initiatives are being introduced, a full year of transformational work in HR has resulted in an updated set of expectations, processes, and staff members. On top of it all are the never ending stream of challenges that are facing the healthcare industry in the United States. I'm not complaining, but I have had to learn which areas need my focused attention, and which ones can be put on hold.

I need to know what is essential.

Not Just A List
I've tried a variety of systems to keep myself organized over the years ranging from post it notes, to a franklin planner, a palm pilot, various apps and now my Outlook calendar and task list. I guess the e-versions of lists are most effective for me, but none of the lists tell me which items are essential.

I have to do that part.

The Same Page Is Important

So much of what I read about being organized is focused on the individual. My Inbox. My calendar. My projects. My goals. I fall into this trap all the time. What I'm learning is that nothing about being organized has to do with "my" stuff.

It's all about the organization and my colleagues. What my company defines as top priorities should become my priorities. It sounds obvious, but I sure don't hear anyone speak in these terms very often.

These are the essential  things I need to address.

How About You
What process do you use to ensure you're focused on what's essential in your life? Do you have your own personal master plan; or, have you integrated your organizations goals directly into how you manage your work life?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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