Thursday, November 15, 2007
Discovering the Road Less Traveled
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and...I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~Robert Frost
Once again, Robert Frost’s words have rung true in my business. I’ve found a pattern that happens when I begin a project which goes something like this: Get Request, Get Excited, Get a Meeting, Get More Excited, Get Going, Get Bored, Get Behind, Get Rushed, Get Stressed, Get Done. The problem arises when another incoming project captures my imagination causing the existing project to be temporarily “shelved”. This project pattern is my well-traveled road.
What I’ve done differently in the past six weeks is Get Focused (my road less traveled). I’m not just talking drive and initiative here—but a conscious intensity about breaking projects into 15-minute “chunks” and working that chunk for the entire time period. This means not answering the phone, checking email, or allowing interruptions during what I call my “sacred time.” It’s removed the stress factor and with more practice you can manage to complete three “sacred time chunks” in an hour. (That allows for time putting things away before taking out a new project, and reconnecting with others on your team if they need your attention.)
Remember that as a team leader you need to model great behavior AND produce organizational results. When you get yourself under control the rest falls into place.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie