Remember each day is just the sum of your experiments and experiences. Martin Daniel
When I was in the early stages of building a software company Mat Waites, who was a colleague and technical adviser, shared an insightful observation and some advice. He was at the time the CIO for a major dialysis company.
‘David,’ he said, ‘the company I am with has had three CEOs during my tenure in the last nine years. When the second one came on board he brought his own agenda and the way he wanted things done. He was good at sharing his new agenda and focus for the company but what he didn’t do was tell us the things we were doing that were no longer relevant and to discard. The third CEO, who just came on board, has done the same thing. We now have a very confused agenda where things conflict with one another. The reason I’m telling you this is that as CEO of a start-up you are constantly experimenting and changing directions for this and that. Be sure to keep your key team members informed of what to jettison, not just about the new shiny stuff you want them to sell.’
It was powerful advice then and now; and, it reminds me that the circumstance is a systemic problem with individuals and businesses alike.
Good retailers cleanse their inventory on a regular basis. We individuals would be wise to do the same. 2017 was an interesting, disquieting, and unique year for most of us. 2018 does not need to be left to its own devices. Exponential change with unprecedented velocity is the new norm. If our thinking, planning, and actions are not in sync with those dynamics we are apt to create more problems for ourselves and others than we would like. Many have observed that the annual review is an antiquated notion that is to slow and cumbersome to be effective. Nevertheless, these last few days of the year are a good time to cleanse and purge that which no longer serves our purpose. It is plenty of time to remove the obvious and acknowledge the rest.
I am using three filters to monitor and manage my affairs: thinking, consuming, and contributing. You may have better categories for yourself. The point is mindful action. It is also important to look at deficiencies as it is at excesses.
Please join us at Life Love God and Happy 3rd Day of Christmas!
