David Allen was named Forbes’ Top 5 Executive Coach and author of “Getting Things Done.” Here are some thoughts from his talk:
- Crisis evokes focus on a very specific outcome which charts your course of action
- You can only feel good about what you’re not doing when you know what you’re not doing
- How do you know if you’re appropriately engaged in something? Answer: It’s on your mind
- Without crisis we end up saying “We need more time.” Because everything gets our attention and takes space when we’re not focused. You say you need more time when everything seems to be taking up equal space.
- How much time does it take to have a good idea, or make a good decision? Zero…if you have no room/space.
- You are most productive when you have the room to make a mess
- Lesson 1: Flexibility not perfection: you want things to be directionally correct and be able to make mid-course corrections
- Lesson 2: Shift in and out: focused attention – pay attention to what has your attention
- Key 1: anything on your mind get it off your mind (make a list)
- Key 2: make decisions about your list / what does “done” look like?
- Key 3: step back and map it out (calendar etc.)
- If you don’t get it out you’ll be driven by the latest and loudest item
Posted in Leadership
