01/01/2017
Want Clarity? Write It Down…
How many times has your workload been increased by a hallway conversation or casual encounter with someone higher in the organization? How successful were those efforts? Were they recognized? Were they completed in lieu of something you considered more important?
As a seasoned project manager, I now ask requestors to send an email with background detail and criteria for success. I found that asking for something in writing forces the requestor to more fully consider both effort and priority. As important, I found that more than 50% of these requests “disappeared”, typically because the need or value could not be clearly articulated.
Similarly when working with clients, I encourage “writing down” important points using a stream of consciousness approach – let it flow without critique. Now step back, see the big picture, organize ideas, set priorities and see how much easier clarity is achieved. Some ideas thought important are not, but other less emotionally charged ideas critical to success come to the forefront. It’s your plan – take time to write it down…
I spend a lot of time on college campuses as part of my job. I’m there to recruit, which means I’m there to listen. I hear from students – each of whom has huge ambitions, has already accomplished a
