I was listening to a podcast the other day discussing what is necessary to practice high performance. The host posed a thought-provoking question to the guest:
“Are you interested in high performance, or are you committed to high performance?”
There’s a big difference.
This question prompted me to increase my intensity now in order to get my Q4 projects wrapped up by December 31st.
Here are a few things I’m committed to now that may inspire you:
- Time Blocking
- Budget Wrap-Up
- Process Documentation
- Business Valuations
Time Blocking
I’ve returned to blocking time on my calendar to devote to projects – essentially making appointments with myself. I’ve done this in the past, but it seems that my day gets eaten up quickly with video calls and meetings, and I don’t schedule time for the other important things I need to get done. The simple act of blocking time on my calendar for projects as well as meetings has helped immensely.
Wrapping up 2022 budgets.
Most of my client’s 2022 budgets are very close to being solid. For smaller organizations this can be a quick and painless process, but as companies grow things become more complex. Why? Because we need to get other departments involved, the sales pipeline is fuzzy, new business segments are soaring/sinking, logistic and product costs are increasing, and there are questions about what is the fed going to do with interest rates. The key is to get the plans started and get the team engaged even with some incomplete information. Targets need to be aggressive, but also realistic (arguably). I just scheduled several working meetings and company presentations to kickoff 2022. Getting these dates on the calendar now helps get the budget solid by the end of the year.
Completing Process Documentation
As I’ve discussed before, I’m a huge advocate for writing procedures with the intent to simplify and improve. Documenting these can be an arduous process, but it helps with staff alignment, training, and process improvement. I’m working with one company now that wanted to focus on developing “best backroom practices.” The notion of best practices can be somewhat deceiving. Once we deem a procedure a “best practice,” we tend to stop looking for improvement or a better way with that particular procedure. Since organizational learning and process improvements need to be continuous, I instead encourage “better” practices. Best practices imply they have reached the endpoint. We should always be looking for better practices. So in this case, I guided them to change their mindset.
Business Valuations
Verbeck Associates has a license agreement with BizEquity to enable us to provide an efficient and accurate business valuation. Last month, we did three business valuations – one for a business sale and the other two to develop a value baseline. For those two, we are developing plans to increase the relevant key performance indicators with the goal to double the business value. These business owners are making better choices by simply understanding the things that increase their company’s overall value.
What are your big projects to wrap up by the end of the year? Set the deadline, block the time on your calendar, and commit to getting these done. If you want to achieve big things, you have to be more than just interested. You have to be committed. I am, and I can help you be, too. Contact me for help with any of the initiatives mentioned above!
PS: A regular personal review can help you along on the path to high performance. Check out this post on conducting your own quarterly review.