Prioritising: Say no and create value
Many managers and employees have more tasks than hours to solve them. Therefore we must prioritise the time so we get the best possible return on the scarce resource.
Goal orientation or order production?
A customer called me because she was in doubt whether she wanted to continue as an entrepreneur or not. Her company was a few years old, liked by customers and the profit margin was high. But her job satisfaction was non-existing. When we talked about her visions and goals for the company, she revitalised immediately.
Hereafter we looked at how a typical work week looks like, and the mere thought made her tired. She had plenty of tasks, but she was bored. It had turned into a routine, and some of the tasks drained her of energy.
The start up phase had been demanding, as because she needed money, she said yes to everything in the beginning. She had continued this habit, although she had built up a solid customer base. She had turned to order production instead of being goal oriented.
When we just say yes to everything, we are controlled by whatever appears. Instead of taking control and decide ourselves how we want to spend our time.
What you need: Clear goals
After making her goals specific and tangible, she had a clear picture of which tasks would bring her nearer to the finishing line and thereby increase her job satisfaction, and at the same time which tasks she should reject.
She did not have fewer things to do when saying no, but instead she spent her time right. She still has success with her company and she thrives with the tasks.
Invest your time right
To gain the best possible return on the invested time, the tasks must ensure:
- Goal achievement
- Revenue
- Job satisfaction
- Development
- Energy
Can you say yes to all of the above? Or did you find development potential in your prioritisation?
