I used to take copious notes at workshops and conferences. I wanted to glean everything I could from the speaker and other participants. Then, I’d head home with a multitude of ideas to change my world. I would develop a ‘To Change List’ for immediate implementation to make my life and work more productive. The reality is, most of these notes ended up on a shelf never again to see the light of day.
I now use what I call the two centimeter rule. I still listen to great speakers, attend conferences and work to hear from the best in our field. Instead of pages of scribbles, I look for 2 or 3 ideas, quotes or unique illustrations that I can implement easily. Ideas that are consistent with our vision. New technology, systems or processes that will save some energy and budget while improving service are critical. A few good ideas, just like a few good people can influence our world. Now, when returning from a workshop, conference or finishing a good book, I add those two or three ideas to my daily ‘To Do List’ and implement right away. The beauty of this approach is I no longer have books of ideas collecting dust on my shelf and I have no guilt about unused ideas. Also, there is a cumulative effect to my work and organization by continually and successfully implementing the 2 or 3 ideas. These grow, build on each other and have a profound impact on my lifestyle and the organizations I work with.
As you and I change, our world changes one precious step at a time. Remember the oft quoted phrase, “When a butterfly flutters its wings in one part of the world, it can eventually cause a hurricane in another…” Fascinating!
Leadership is character, developed one learning step at a time.
I challenge you to find one thing, right now, that you could change to be more effective.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach