One Client has an equal partner, but in their mind the partner is not working as hard as they are.  The business has grown, but it has been a series of growth, setbacks, growth, setbacks...

Another Client owns all of his firm.  He now wants to transfer the Company he has built with his sweat, blood, and money to a family member.  He wants to let go, but needs to make certain the family member does not lose part or all he has worked for.

A third Client is the only owner and that will never change.  His company has consistently grown, but at a smaller rate than some competitors and how he would have liked.  His company culture is split, with people loving what they do but not feeling fulling part of the team.

A fourth Client is a wife-husband team.  This is more common than you realize.  They work well together and their company has grown strongly, but also had setbacks.

How will they finish (the race of achieving "success" in their current business)?

These leaders share something in common with you:  They are in a race against time, but focus most of their attention on tasks rather than the time that is lost forever.  When our focus is tasks then we may not get to choose how we finish the race of our current business.

Unforeseen business problems force a closure...  Cancer takes us out...  We die unexpectantly...  it does happen.  Scott Mallet, CEO of Network Technology Solutions in Florida died on a scuba diving trip although he seemed to be in great health.  (He was a nice guy - I knew him.)

What if instead of focusing first on tasks each week as you define your 3strands / key priorities..  FOCUS FIRST on reminding yourself how you want to finish this race (your current business)?

How much would that change how you spend your time this week?

SUGGESTION:  Pilot a one-month test of thinking first of how you want to finish when setting your week's priorities and each morning.  You may find your work more fun and fulfilling than you have in a very LONG TIME... even if you already enjoy your work.

P.S.  It is coming up fast - sign-up now for one of our final two LEADERSHIP Essentials Academies.  The first is in Belmont, New Hampshire on September 11-12 and the other in San Rafael, California on October 2-3.  Don't miss this opportunity to work with me in-person.  Learn more here or click here to grab a seat before its too late.

It is Monday.  ACCOUNTABILITY TIME!  

1. Did you take Sanctuary time over the weekend to improve your focus?
2. How did you do on your 3Strands last week?
3. Have you defined your 3Strands for this week?
4. By 9:00 a.m. this morning you should have 3Strands emails from each of your direct reports.

Stay on track.