David Allen, for those of you who don't know, is ranked in Forbes' top 5 of executive coaches in the US. He works with individuals and companies all over the country, teaching them how to be more productive and successful in their business. For a closer look at his company, you can find him at www.davidco.com
The main point that Allen wanted to make was, was that "Getting things done is not really about getting things done." Just like last time, I have a few questions for you before I dive in to what this means. These questions are based off of one overall umbrella question if you will. That question is, How do you get appropriately engaged? No I do not mean engaged like I was to my wife before we got married, but how do you get appropriately engaged in your work? Now for the three questions.
1.) What are you doing?
2.) Why are you doing it that way?
3.) How are you doing it?
First is the "what". No matter what it is that you are doing, Allen says that it is important to have a good BALANCE, and to be in your ZONE. Meaning, that you aren't taking on more than you can handle, but you aren't just sliding by either.
Second is the "why". This is an important question meant to help you keep your focus on your goals. Allen drew it up this way, and I will try to explain it as clearly as I can. You will have to physically draw this out in order to get the picture, so go find a piece of paper and something to write with before you continue on reading...
Draw a standard graph, with an X and a Y axis.
Along the vertical side, write the word "perspective".
Along the horizontal side, write the word "control".
Place 4 points on this graph, one in each corner.
Now, the dot in the bottom left corner, where "perspective" and "control" meet, is going to be labeled "victim". These are the people who feel like they have no control whatsoever, and also have a terrible lack of perspective on their life. The dot directly above in the top left corner is going to be labeled "crazy maker". These are the folks who have it all mapped out in their minds, but do nothing to put there ideas into action, therefore driving themselves crazy that nothing works the way they think it should. Next we will do the bottom right corner. This will be labeled "micro manager". These are the ones who are going to make sure everything is done their way, at all costs. Our last point, is going to be labeled "captain & commander". This group has the right balance of control AND perspective. They have a vision, and act on it, but then give control down to others who can then keep the vision moving forward.
The next question, is the "how". How is it that you are engaging? Are you being flexible? Are you quick to adapt?
All that being said, the goal is to engage in your work effectively. Don't get bogged down with with trying to make sure everything goes exactly according to plan, or just toss your ideas to the wind and hope that someone will catch one and run with it. Be engaged.
Allen also wanted to demonstrate the importance of getting your thoughts and ideas out of your head and onto paper. Ideas have a tendency to morph or fade away if left mulling around in the brain for too long. When you have an idea worth pursuing, write it down, and then make outcome or action decisions for how to pursue the idea. These are decisions that will move the bar forward. I need ____ to happen, so I am going to do _____. Then, step back every now and then to make sure that you can still see the whole game. It is easy to put the blinders on and focus on the one area, but it is important to keep focused on the big picture. Don't lose sight of your goals.
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