If you’re like me, you took a little time off over the holidays to refresh and renew. And, now you’ve returned to the office with a bang -- a tsunami of email, multiple meeting requests, a looming deadline or two, and more. So much for the vacation!!
We are out to change the world, and with that kind of agenda we are apt to pile on the tasks. There’s a lot of work to be done. But are nonprofit leaders as effective as we could be, if we’re rushing from one thing to another? Probably not.
Choose Your Focus
I suggest simplifying your year’s activities down to just three key priorities. Choose one you have to do, one you should do, and one you’d like to do (more on that below).
“But, I can’t choose just three! There's too much work to do!” you exclaim, “Plus, I don’t set my work priorities, other people do -- my funders, my boss, my staff, my volunteers, etc. -- and they’ve got a lot on their mind!” I’m suggesting you have more control over what you take on than you think. Really...you do.
Even if someone else is directing most of your work, you can choose your focus while, at the same time, taking into consideration what others want. No one is watching what you do every minute of every day (if they are, it's time to find a new job). So why not get in the driver’s seat? Only you can define your critical path to success.
Keep It Simple
If you have a scattered approach, you’re not being effective. If you choose to simplify -- and it is a conscious choice -- you’ll be able to edit out the extraneous more easily, whether it’s a task, an email, a meeting, or a new project.
Simplifying can be very empowering. Picking only three priorities may not be easy -- you may have to agonize over your choices a bit -- but it will add clarity to your work. Your priorities will guide you in decision-making. They will become the litmus test for the new tasks and big ideas that come your way this year. Having priorities, in writing, will help you decide how you spend your precious hours, what your worry about, and what you let go. And, letting go is the key to simplicity.
Pick the Three Priorities That Will Guide You
You can do this process with a team or by yourself. If you do it with a team, brainstorm, vote, and get on with it. The point is not to hold a long-winded strategic planning session. The point is to simplify life for everyone, thus making your program stronger.
- Choose One You Have To Do --
Your funder(s), boss, board of directors, or some other decision-maker has likely given you marching orders recently. Brainstorm a list of all of the things you’ve been asked to focus on. Consider which would result in the biggest “bang for the buck” for your program. Which will help your program or organization best deliver on it’s core mission? Which would result in further resources or support down the road? Choose from your list of “mandated priorities” the one you feel would make the most difference. - Choose One You Should Do --
Next, brainstorm all the things you need to do to improve your program. If you’re like me, you can think of many ways you could be better. Unfortunately, you can’t do them all at once. Think about which will result in the biggest improvement for the least amount of effort. Resist choosing something super complicated or that will take a Herculean effort to accomplish. Instead, start small. As you and your team experience small wins, you will be strengthened to take on something more ambitious next time. Keep it achievable, and then celebrate like crazy when you get it done. - Choose One You’d Like To Do
In order to keep up stamina throughout the year, you’ll also need to continuously feed your spirit. That’s why it’s a good idea to also pick a priority that brings you joy. Think about your pet projects. Which give you the most energy and spring to your step? Which inspire you above others? Which are you thrilled to get started?
Keep on Track
When you’ve decided on your final three priorities, write them up and share with people you trust to support you. Ask them to help you stay on track, in whatever way works best for you.
Remember, that your priorities are just that, priorities. It doesn’t mean that you won’t address other necessary tasks. It does mean, however, that you’ll spend the majority of your time and energy on achieving what you’ve set your mind to do this year.
If you finish something early, great. Feel free to replace that priority with something new. If a critical priority lands on your doorstep, that’s fine, too. Change happens, and you need to be flexible. Just be sure to consciously replace one of your existing with the more urgent need. Don’t fall into the trap of continually adding to your list. Stick to three.
Finally, don’t forget to share your successes as they relate to your priorities. Consistently demonstrate to others how your focus has lead to greater organizational rewards. Draw the line between cause (your priority) and effect (program outcome). Then, maybe just maybe, they’ll begin to see things your way and simplify things, too.
What are your priorities for 2012? Please share so others can learn from you!
Comments