To Do Lists

November 8, 2011 David Russell

Most of us use lists to keep ourselves on track and to get things done. As we approach the end of this year and move into a new year it is an ideal time to consider ways to improve the lists we use on a regular basis.

Here is what works for me. I'm open to your ideas, please send or post them:

1. Goals That Work: The starting point for my lists is clear, measurable goals for the year. I explain this in my books as Goals That Work. Each week and day, I make certain my planned activities support these goals. A sample is available in the Free Stuff section of our website.

2. Success Plans: This is a weekly plan of DO IT NOW activities related to my Goals That Work. I use this tool at times, but not consistently. I would like to develop a mobile app to track my priorities and time, but no funding for that at the moment... A sample is available in the Free Stuff section of our website.

3. DO IT NOW list: This is the "to do list" that I use daily. I have it in Microsoft Outlook as a task and a reminder for 6:00 a.m., which I move from day to day. Activities are listed in order of priority. Other important activities I would like to get to, but are not urgent, are a separate list below my DO IT NOW items. This has been very successful for me.

4. Personal Journal: I am NOT a journaling guy, but a couple of months ago I started a new practice. I enter a bulleted list during and at the end of each day of the highlights of my day in my cell phone. Every 1-2 weeks I email it to my laptop and copy it to my password-protected personal journal. It is a mix of personal and professional events, emotions, and faith. I love to review the lists and quick descriptions of events from past days. I hope after I'm gone this journal will remind our children and grandchildren how much I love them. Although I do not like to journal, I highly recommend you consider this approach.

I hope to see you at IT Nation in Orlando this week or the SYNNEX Varnex event in Las Vegas next week!

Be an Intentional, Systematic, Servant Leader.

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.
MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEAS

THE QUESTION: How can we get more done?

ONE ANSWER: Focus more on what is truly important.

I suggest you have an open discussion with your team about setting and pursuing clear, measurable goals in 2012. Here are some ideas:

1. Review 2011. Discuss your company goals. How could they have been more clear and measurable? Are you exceeding them? How can you close the gap on any goals that are lagging?

NOTE: Almost achieving a goal is NOT GOOD. "Almost" only counts in handgrenades and horseshoes.

2. How are people staying on track? Have an open discussion of how people are staying focused on achieving their Goals That Work. What is working for people and who is struggling? How can people learn from one another?

3. Accountability: Are you using Success Plans, weekly one-on-one meetings, or daily huddles to keep people on track? You should be talking with your people at least every two days, but preferably daily. Managing "by a long leash" is not managing at all. If that's your style, go work as an independent rep.

4. DO IT NOW: How are your people focusing on what is truly most important to achieve each DAY? Days add-up to weeks. Weeks add-up to months. Then suddenly... your year is over! Do not overlook the importance of achieving meaningful progress in small steps daily.

5. Journal: Encourage people to keep a journal in a way that is meaningful to them and an effective use of their time. What they write is typically no one else's business.

If you need help, contact me.