The two most critical factors in time management

Posted: March 26, 2012 | Categories: Management, Self-Improvement

 

One thing I love about coaching is the opportunity to get to what is most important.  In every conversation I have with clients and teams, they all start the same way.  It all boils down to focus and desired outcome.  What my clients are really saying is, “This is my “Here and now” and here is my “then and there”…How I get there?

The outcome of such a conversation always involves one or both of two components:  Building a new competency or skill and forming a new habit.

This morning I was talking to a client who was looking to connect with a person in a key position.  Jim had been thinking about calling the VP for several months.  He kept postponing the phone call.  So what was getting in the way?  Selling skills.  We did some role-playing practicing some key fundamentals, and at the end of the conversation Bill had both a commitment and eagerness to call the prospect.

Jim’s situation is one we can probably all relate to in some way:  When we are avoiding doing something that needs to be done, there is a reason.  If we can identify the reason, we can make the adjustment in our skill or habits to turn it around.  The other option is to keep avoiding the task, and we all know the definition of insanity.  Simply put, “If nothing changes, nothing changes”.

From this point on, as Jim and I continue to work together, he will become more and more competent in his selling skills.  As he does, sales will become easier and more enjoyable.  In time, what was once avoided will become a productive habit.  His skill and attitude will have changed, and making this new activity into a habit will be a natural evolutionary process.

Here is what we can do right now:

Ask ourselves:

1.  Am I where I want to be in my career and life?
2. What new habit or skill do I need to move forward?

Once we have  determined the key action we need to take, remember the 4 rules to build a new habit or skill:

1. Seize the first opportunity
2. Launch the strongest possible initiative
3. Keep the faculty of effort alive with daily practice
4. Never allow an exception to occur

It’s simple! (But not easy)

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