Comments on: Leadership Caffeine-Engage With a Purpose

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:45:33 +0000

Ashley, what a great way for you and your colleagues and your boss to stay focused on the big picture. Hopefully, the exercise is not onerous and that there is a positive impact in the working environment from this greater connectivity to the big picture. -Art

By: Ashley Brune

Ashley Brune — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:47:32 +0000

Wow great posts! This reminds me of the way my company has begun prioritizing weekly work loads. Our VP wants us to see the value in the products we are delivering, so he implemented a new system for prioritizing and tracking our work week. He realized that everyone was running on tasks and forgetting about working towards the bigger picture. The system he implemented is almost like a marketing plan… but now. We list our accomplishments from the previous week, goals for the coming week and strategies. We do this list every Friday to evaluate the previous and coming week. So far, it is working out.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:45:56 +0000

Hi Art,

I love the “Leadership Lazy River” analogy – you hit the nail on the head with it. Today, I am going to take a look at the items on my to-do list and this week’s calendar to help identify which items are adding value to my company and which ones are “doing everything and getting nothing important done in the process.” Thanks for the insights!

Nicole

By: Bill Self

Bill Self — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:09:10 +0000

Art,
Solid article about not drifting away from a sense of purpose. Specific focus on your customers will channel the questions asked and organizational priorities into what really matters. Encourage your readers to direct the energy from their leadership caffeine to solutions that matter to their customers. -Bill

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:40:29 +0000

Nick, right you are on the question issue. And thanks for the lead on the George Day article. George is my absolute favorite strategy guru. Thanks for reading and commenting! -Art

By: Nick Halen

Nick Halen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:37:43 +0000

Great Article,
As I was reading this article I couldn’t stop thinking about how and when to ask the right questions and the answer is simple, It is always the right time to be asking questions. A leader who is not engaging themselves is a leader that is not asking the proper questions. This article reminded me of a great article that I read not to long ago called Scanning the Periphery by George Day and Paul Schoemaker. Like your post, the article was mainly about asking the right questions and always seeking an answer or solution to those questions. If a leader is asking these questions they are getting themselves out of this “Lazy River.”

Nick Halen

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:24:44 +0000

Wally, love the phrase, “concentrate on contribution.” Thanks! -Art

By: Wally Bock

Wally Bock — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:21:46 +0000

Asking the questions is vital. It’s how you learn about what’s going on and so many more things. And setting priorities is crucial. And it’s also important to look outside for metrics. Concentrate on contribution.

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:10:33 +0000

Susan, well said! Your wording and imagery definitely improve the post!! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts and expertise. -Art

By: Susan Mazza

Susan Mazza — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:05:46 +0000

It occurs to me that when we find ourselves complaining about too many and/or unproductive meetings, there’s a good chance we are suffering from Lazy River Syndrome. It is funny though that it doesn’t feel “lazy” when we are caught in it – it actually can feel more like being swept up in roaring rapids creating a powerful illusion that we don’t have enough time. In the frenzy of activity we allow (and even justify) being “lazy” with our minds.

Love your suggestions for improving your ability to engage with purpose. I especially love “teach them your questions” because that is one clear way we can empower the leadership of others.

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:33:18 +0000

Raj, now I cannot be held accountable if productivity climbs and performance improves! : )

You are not alone. I encourage you to share with your team your new-found sense of mission and encourage them to step it up while you do. Have fun and loop back and let us know how things go.

Art

By: Raj Menon

Raj Menon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:30:02 +0000

That was the daily dose of caffeine I needed this morn. While I and always preoccupied with the never ending to-do list… my focus is drifting away from the priorities. Let me try your 6 tips to engage with a purpose.

Thanks.

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:21:53 +0000

Mike, thanks for reading and commenting! It is so easy to get lulled into thinking that we are doing our jobs as leaders, when we are letting the events dictate our priorities. I love your “No to the good things so that I have time for the excellent and great things,” perspective!

Best,

Art

By: Mike Henry Sr.

Mike Henry Sr. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:14:56 +0000

Art, Thanks for the excellent reminder this morning to avoid the lazy river. Urgent things seem to exercise tyranny over us when we let them. Your post reminds me to say “No” to the good things so I have time for the excellent and great things.

Thanks, Mike…