My last blog referenced the Leader’s Toolbox and discussed the importance of being unique. Today I want to address another important subject….. Effectiveness.
“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” ~ Peter Drucker
Here is the second tool you should add to your toolbox:
Act Effectively – Work Smarter Not Harder
Every morning I sit at my desk and look at my “To Do” list. Every morning I re-evaluate that To Do List and put things in order of importance. Accomplishing my goals is not about doing things quickly or doing the most activities in the shortest time. Rather than simply being busy, take time to formulate a vision and set priorities and goals. I am oftentimes tempted to do the easy things first to get them out of the way; I am also tempted to save the things I hate to do – no matter how important – until last. To act effectively, we need to avoid both of these extremes!
We should also keep in mind the “Big Picture” when we think about acting effectively. You wrote a Sales & Marketing Plan…. this is your big picture! Both short term and long term tasks must be integrated into daily work.
Think about these big picture concepts*:
- What are your short and long term challenges and how do they fit into your day to day tasks?
- How will you develop unique value in addressing these challenges?
- What are the potential barriers and how will you deal with them?
- What skills and resources do you need to accomplish your strategies?
- Sometimes doing the right things will not be the most efficient. Gaining the trust of customers and employees can consume time and resources, but will lead to better long-term stability and effectiveness.
Happy Prioritizing!
Linda
*Five Essential Skills for Leadership in the 21st Century, from The Mindful Self-Express by Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D. as excerpted from Psychology Today.