Photo by kevindooley
The article “For This Guru, No Question Is Too Big” from the NY Times discusses the work of the best selling business author Jim Collins. Given the popularity of Jim Collins the article discussed how he allocates his time, which is as follows:
“… in a corner of the white board at the end of his long conference room, Mr. Collins keeps this short list:
Creative 53%
Teaching 28%
Other 19%
That, he explains, is a running tally of how he’s spending his time, and whether he’s sticking to a big goal he set for himself years ago: to spend 50 percent of his workdays on creative pursuits like research and writing books, 30 percent on teaching-related activities, and 20 percent on all the other things he has to do.”
This seems to be an odd approach to allocating how to spend one’s time! However, this time allocation suddenly makes sense when you consider Jim Collins “overarching goal,” which is “to produce a lasting and distinctive body of work.”
Besides making wise use of his time in a way that supports his overarching goal, Mr. Collins keeps focused, making sure he is not distracted.
“Mr. Collins also is quite practiced at saying ‘no.’ Requests pour in every week for him to give speeches to corporations and trade associations…”
To achieve meaningful and challenging goals requires “… a willingness to say no and focus on what not to do as much as what to do…”! All leader’s who are passionate about perusing a challenging vision, have to ensure they spend their time wisely and remain focused on their goals. How are you doing?
- Have you allocated your time in a way that support your overarching goal?
- Do you say “no” to distractions?
Technorati Tags: Goals, Vision, Leadership, Management, Time Management, Business, Focus
Related posts:
John Riley
Pablo
uberVU - social c...
Atsu23 (Atsu Sakaki)
Calvin Bacon
Cassandra
Christine Polewar...
dagnabbit_ (auburn)
davidburkus
donna wells
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve found that distractions regardless of the size can be crippling to ones vision.
I at one time struggled a great deal in not letting myself become side tracked with things going on around me.
I found it helpful to make my vision visual and put it where it could be seen at all times as a reminder to the things I’m supposed to be doing.
This is a great post. I often find the challenge of doing verses thinking and dreaming to be a challenge. Love the illustration of allotting creative time.
Ron
Focusing is especially important in the current economic climate. Theres a great video on Barclays website called “Business Focus in a Downturn”
Check it out: http://www.barclays.co.uk/commercial/turningthecorner/videointerviews/
I chanced upon to view your blog and found it very interesting as well as very informative, i was need such type information, which you have submitted. I really thankful to you, this posting help a huge number of people. Great … Keep it up!
I think the hardest part is saying no. Even in a leadership role, you want to please the majority yet please the minority without ruffling any feathers. Time is very important as well. I do not allocate my time as much as I should. This blog has me thinking about prioritizing much more.
Thanks!
It’s an interesting one…how we use our time. Another article I saw
talked about “managing energy”, our own energy as oppossed to time which I found interesting.
Also, how time is invetsed can also depend upon our preferences.
For example, I share Jim Collins thoughts on Creating. I am a creative person and know that I am serving my clients best when doing this activity as I can add so much more value.
Now when it comes to say process and systems, I know I need to hand things over to someone who loves doing them….which isn’t me. My solution. Invest my time doing what I am good at and keep building my team so I can do more of what I am good at and so can they. I feel I am being authentic and true to myself and supporting others to do so as well.
Regards Ruth
Good topic!
I often have difficulties not the get sidetracked when maintaining my goals. Saying no has come to play a crucial role as well as setting goals for each day and making them visual to me.
Jaana