“I learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything… at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything.”
– Dan Millman, writer and professional speaker
A conversation with a Client regarding priorities provides great insights into how many view making priorities. When asked, “have you identified your priorities and is your focus on those priorities?” His answer: “oh, yes, I have identified my priorities. I have 34 of them!” It took everything in my power not to tell him that this is why he couldn’t get anything done.
A challenge Leaders face is that they unsuccessfully attempt to “do it all” and “do it now.” Unfortunately, instead, this creates ineffectiveness.
Identifying your priorities is a sign of operational effectiveness if the following are included:
- Select the priorities that support the vision and mission of your Organization.
- Define the objectives and desired results of each priority.
- Limit the number of priorities. Aldridge Kerr recommends no more than 10 priorities as your focal point at any given time. More than that, then you just have a long task list, not clearly defined priorities.
- Ensure each priority is achievable in a reasonable timeframe.
- Utilize Aldridge Kerr’s Doable, Chewable Chunks® proprietary methodology as it encourages a more focused approach.
- Define what needs done for each of those priorities that will produce rapid results.
- Communicate to all impacted Staff and/or Customers the selected priorities, thus ensuring that all understand the goals and objectives.
- Only add a new priority once an existing priority is completed.
Aldridge Kerr works with its Clients to identify its priorities to achieve maximum success.