I have been developing multiple presentations for live and online classes I will be teaching over the coming months. When I get a bit “frazzled” I look to one slide I am using in multiple presentations: “Ernie’s ABCs of Success” to regain my focus. In driving
I define the recipe for success by using the right amounts of each of the following ingredients:
- People- there are no more valuable assets than your co-workers, professional colleagues, and consultants as resources to acquire the knowledge and insights you need to obtain the desired results from any project or initiative.
- Process- without process you inhibit your ability to scale your successes, and fail to deliver resource utilization efficiency when pursuing your professional objectives.
- Communication- success often requires that you sell, engage, and effectively manage people to achieve your goals. This encompasses establishing accountability to all those who can impact your success in an endeavor, and effectively communicating both verbally and in written form (e-mails, virtual meetings, etc.).
- Collaboration- there is no “I” in success, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments within any company often delivers opportunities to climb the corporate (or your private company’s)
leadership ladder. In addition, knowing how to collaborate with consultants (treat them with the same respect as co-workers and make them feel like they are a strategic partner) can be key as top notch consultants can make you and your team look like superstars. - Alignment- advances in
technology tempt us to believe that solutions can be “magic”. Technology or any of the previously mentioned ingredients if relied upon too much or used in isolation will leave a bitter taste in your mouth after you fail to achieve your goals. - Technology- embrace technology as it often allows you to deliver results no matter how much you have on your professional plate. A fear of technology can leave you at a competitive disadvantage relative to your professional peers.
I would love to hear how others keep it simple in the midst of managed professional chaos.