Are you a closer? Are you known for seeing things through and finishing what you start? Are you effectively demonstrating execution skills at work?
Many recognize that execution excellence is such a critical skill, but most devalue the importance of this ability in career advancement. I’m telling you... the benefits of having “closers” throughout an organization stretch far beyond the sales desk! Employers need “closers” stationed pretty much everywhere; from the frontline working directly with their customers to the back office. These individuals are influencers, persuasive and driven. Those who execute well get stuff done period!!!!
Let’s explore three behaviors you can start putting into practice right now that will help you become more effective at execution.
(1) The “80/20 rule”, also known as the Pareto Principle, implies that 20% of your activities will account for 80% of your results. This concept can be applied to almost any situation and can help you better prioritize what the focus should be when developing a strategic plan. This rule is basically suggesting that 2 out of 10 “to-do” items on your checklist will turn out to be more worthy of your time spent than the other 8. Focusing on the “vital few”tasks that are most valuable will get you closer to meeting the goal, making you a better executer. So if you find yourself busy all day long, but seem to accomplish very little, try implementing this principle in effort to sharpen your focus!
(2) Learn when to say “no”! This one is hard. I still struggle with this at times. Naturally I love helping others, and so when asked to assist, it can be hard for me to decline... even when I know I am super busy already. Although being a good team player is a desirable skill, not knowing when to kindly refuse can inhibit you from being successful at timely execution of goals or tasks. If you too struggle with this, you may find applying the “Four D’s of Time Management” to be extremely helpful! The next time someone ask for your assistance, consider which of these four categories is applicable to the request:
(a) Do It - Strategic activities that align with or are in direct relation to the achievement of your set goals. Typically critical to your agenda.
(b) Delegate It - activities that carry importance but may not necessarily be critical to your objective. These tasks do not require your specific expertise in handling, and would deliver the same outcome regardless of who is doing it.
(c) Defer it - activities that align with your plan but do not need to be handled right away.
(d) Dump it - activities, tasks, reports, meetings, and projects that do not directly support your plan.
This popular strategy helps you discern whether or not a task or project is worth your time. Get to filtering! Time is 💰 baby! 👏🏾
(3) Hold yourself accountable by setting milestones with deadlines. When you give yourself a deadline to stick to, behavior changes. Deadlines make clear what is expected to deliver and when. This in turn increases your sense of commitment. Just be sure the deadlines you set are realistic, based on logical thinking and not overly aggressive.
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