CONCENTRATED EFFORT

"Concentration is the secret of strength in politics, in war, in trade, in short, in all the management of human affairs."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) U.S. poet/essayist/lecturer

The ability to focus energy and resources on the most pressing problem.

Very difficult to do yet so necessary.

DON'T FORGET TODAY

"A man's delight in looking forward to and hoping for some particular satisfaction is a part of the pleasure flowing out of it, enjoyed in advance. But this is afterward deducted, for the more we look forward to anything the less we enjoy it when it comes."

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) German philosopher

New Year's Eve; the day we reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. However, don't forget today itself.

Yesterdays are to be remembered not relived, and tomorrows will come on their own soon enough.

But you can only live today, today.

I'll be wishing you a happy new year, starting tomorrow.

NOT ALL THINGS, JUST YOUR THINGS

"Things without remedy should be without regard; what is done is done."

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) British poet/playwright

You know this. This is what you advise others to do.

What about when it's you?

GOT YOUR BACK OR WATCH YOUR BACK?

"We cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end."

Woodrow T. Wilson

Twenty-eighth President of the USA

There are three areas of potential focus for employees of any company.

1. Internal on each other.
2. External on the competition.
3. External on the customer.

The first is mostly office politics.

If you work in an environment where 1 is prevalent over 2 and 3, in addition to you being unhappy, the company is doomed.

DIVERSIONARY FOCUS

"Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow."

Aesop

6th century BC Greek fabulist

This is about focus, both that which you should concentrate on and that which you shouldn't.

It's often not easy to know which is which.

Keep On Keepin' On

"A jug fills drop by drop."

Buddha

Founder of Buddhism

Perseverance alone won't get you what you want but neither will having all else you need without it.

Hang in there!

They're Not Called Obstacles For Nothing

"Obstacles are things a person sees when he take his eyes off his goal."

E. Joseph Crossman

Businessman

Initially this sort of inspires you doesn't it?  Makes you want to move ahead no matter what lays in your path.  The problem is, things just aren't that simple.

Just as you will certainly crash if all you do while driving is concentrate on where you want to go, so too will you fail in business if you do not identify and attempt to neutralize the obstacles that can block your success.

With due respect to Mr. Crossman I suggest an alternative:  Obstacles are things a person needs to identity and remove so they can continue on to their goal.

"What I'm Trying to Say Is . . ."

"To get the right word in the right place is a rare achievement."

Mark Twain

This is ironically part of a longer quote addressing the importance of brevity.

What would happen in our meetings if we could impose a "half as many words as normal" rule?

In other words, no meeting can include more than half the words used in a typical meeting.

Success: Determination and Focus Trumps Smarts

"The man who succeeds above his fellows is the one who early in life, clearly discerns his object, and towards that object habitually directs his powers."

Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Early 19th Century British Writer/Politician

Translation: Being smart is fine but no substitute for being focused on a goal letting nothing get in your way of achieving it.

Does your company do this? I'm not just talking about words but rather deeds. Have they clearly stated what it is they intend to do, how they will do it and to the extent they have does their actions support these words?

If you are senior management and you feel you have done this, ask your key employees to describe what are to you those well defined goals. If they can't do it you've got work to do.

Improvement: The Quest to be Best

"It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment."

Marcus Tullius Cicero
First Century BC Roman Statesman

Well I have to think that being a world class sprinter does require muscle, speed and at least some physical dexterity; however I also believe that the business equivalents (most money, best people, best product) can and often are trumped by smaller, more nimble companies with greater desire, focus and energy.

It comes down to continually looking for ways to improve and never is that more necessary than when you are the leader.