Helping leaders and organizations reduce uncertainty, gain clarity, and take the next meaningful step. U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) | Leadership Coach | Author
People Rarely Need More Information
|
Hi Reader, People rarely need more information. They need less uncertainty. Over the past several weeks, I’ve learned something that has changed the way I coach leaders, write, and even think about solving problems. Most people aren’t looking for another book, another podcast, or another opinion. They’re looking for clarity. For years, I believed my job was to give people answers. I was wrong. Then something interesting started happening. Whether I was coaching a nonprofit executive, a business owner, or a leader overwhelmed by competing priorities, I noticed a pattern. Almost everyone arrived looking for more information. “How do I delegate?” “How do I market my organization?” “How do I organize my team?” “How do I get more done?” But after listening, asking a few thoughtful questions, and helping organize their thinking, something remarkable happened. They didn’t leave saying, “Thanks for all the new information.” Instead they said things like: “I finally organized my thoughts.” “I know what to do next.” “I have clarity.” “I know my next step.” That’s when I realized something. People rarely need more information. They need less uncertainty. One question has become one of the most valuable tools in my coaching: “What would make this conversation especially valuable to you today?” Then I listen. Not to solve the first problem. But to understand the mission behind it. When the mission becomes clear… The next decision usually becomes clear. And once the decision is made, the next meaningful step often follows naturally. I’ve discovered that my job isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to help people reduce uncertainty, organize what matters most, and make the next meaningful decision. This week… Before asking, “What else do I need to know?” Try asking yourself, “What’s creating the uncertainty?” Then ask, “What’s my next meaningful decision?” You probably already have most of what you need. You simply need a little more clarity. Make the next decision. Then take the next meaningful step. As Arnold Bennett wisely said: “My dear Sir, you simply begin.” To Getting It Done! Michael A. Whitt Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.) P.S. If this newsletter made you think of a leader who could benefit from a little less uncertainty and a little more clarity, I’d be honored if you’d forward it to them.
|
To Getting It Done Leadership
Helping leaders and organizations reduce uncertainty, gain clarity, and take the next meaningful step. U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) | Leadership Coach | Author
Hi Reader, Back in the early ’80s, when I was serving aboard a nuclear submarine, my Chief Petty Officer gave me some advice I’ve never forgotten: “Of course you have a lot of things to do. You’re on a nuclear submarine, for crying out loud! Now go do the next thing and keep focusing on the mission, ya non-qual!” A “non-qual” was a sailor who hadn’t yet completed submarine qualifications—and Chiefs had a special way of reminding us. His point was simple: You don’t have to get everything done...
Hi Reader, People rarely need more information. They need less uncertainty. Over the past several weeks, I’ve learned something that has changed the way I coach leaders, write, and even think about solving problems. Most people aren’t looking for another book, another podcast, or another opinion. They’re looking for clarity. For years, I believed my job was to give people answers. I was wrong. Then something interesting started happening. Whether I was coaching a nonprofit executive, a...
Hi Reader, Bottom Line Up Front: Having trouble accomplishing your tasks and goals? Stop staring at calendar dates and start a “Days Left” countdown. You need healthy pressure to get things done, and tracking by the number of days left forces that awareness on you. It gives you a clear operational picture so you can take action before your butt is in a sling (Navy jargon). Getting things done leads to successful results. How do you accomplish goals? Is your current process working? This way...