Make reviewing your business a habit
Smart businesses stay focused. Here’s how you can avoid being careless without getting trapped in analysis paralysis.
Your inbox and all its text-based glory dissolve.
You’re now in The Godfather’s garden. He sits on a wicker chair across from his son, Michael, taking sips of warm garnet wine. The worry lines cut so deeply, they’ve taken up permanent residence on his face.
Clearly, the conversation matters, so you drag a chair over and lean in to avoid missing what he’s going to say next.
“I hope you don't mind the way I — I keep going over this Barzini business…” he says to Michael.
“No, not at all…” Michael responds, staring at his father with an intensity that causes you to flinch.
“It's an old habit,” The Don continues. “I spent my life trying not to be careless…”
This habit of going over things provides immense value to businesses. Smart businesses don’t waste time on things that don’t matter. Like The Don, they think deliberately about where and how they invest their time with a keen interest in how all the pieces connect.
This process of constant assessment allows you to avoid drifting off course or missing something in the pace of the day-to-day. It also provides ample opportunity to say no to things that aren’t worth your time before you start them.
Proper assessment takes time, but once you’ve given things the thought they require, you can adjust and realign so your team stays on the same page and drives in the same direction.
If you have the discipline to make calibrating a habit, you won’t drift far. And by making it a habit, the speed at which you can review and adjust effectively increases.
The challenge comes in the surprises and new initiatives. Careful consideration can easily devolve into analysis paralysis, particularly for those of us striving to do excellent work.
Perfection isn’t real. No amount of going over things will guarantee a perfect outcome.
Instead of stopping to devise a grand scheme for your next pursuit, start small. And whatever you just thought — think even smaller.
Now you can assess, adjust, and align more rapidly. When you approach your new initiative thoughtfully, your actions will generate the information you need to understand how to take your next step without being careless.
The garden dissolves.
It’s time to get back to work.
Happy Monday,
Katie
Your Friendly Weekly Writer
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