Today is Wednesday, so this post focuses on Outstanding Performance.
Bill White is a friend of mine. He is the author of a great book on careers entitled From Day One: CEO Advice to Launch an Extraordinary Career. Mr. White is a Professor at the Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is a former Chairman and CEO of Bell & Howell.
Read on for his common sense advice on performance…
I like everything about From Day One, but I was particularly impressed with Mr. White’s Fundamental Habits for Success.
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
- Prioritizing
- Estimating
- Forecasting
Here is a brief summary of each of them:
Reading: You Are What You Read
Read widely. Be an eclectic reader with interests that span a great many fields. Mr. White’s suggested must reading list includes: The NY Times, the largest circulation newspaper in your city, publications that have a slant with which you don’t agree (for example if you’re a liberal, read US News and World Report, if you’re a conservative, read Newsweek).
Writing: The Power of the Written Word
Learn how to write well. Be brief. Harry Truman once said “never use two words when one will do”. Don't confuse brevity with speed. Often it takes a lot longer to write a succinct report than it does a long, rambling one. Don't be afraid to let the reader know you care about your topic. Write like you speak -- flowing, conversational, engaging.
Speaking: Mastering the Spoken Word
Become comfortable speaking in public. Do what you have to do to become more at ease in speaking in front of a group. If you are nervous or unsure of yourself, join Toastmasters. Learn to speak well, with emotion and persuasion.
Listening: A (Nearly) Lost Art
Listening is not a passive endeavor. It requires discipline and the full commitment of your brainpower. You can become a better listener by actively engaging with the other person. Observe what the other person has said and where he or she might be going next. Use the power of silence to encourage people to provide you with more information and details.
Prioritizing: Managing Your Time Wisely
When priorities change or demands shift, you need to be flexible enough to refocus your attention and reprioritize your asks and responsibilities. To do this successfully, you need strong time management skills. Watch out for potential pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts to be efficient and responsive.
Estimating: Is It a $2 Million, $20 Million or $200 Million?
Estimating – before you do a calculation -- helps make numbers more relevant and logical. Practice estimating. When you drive, estimate how long it should take to get from on place to another based on distance and speed. Make mental calculations and double check them with your math. Estimating will keep you from making errors.
Forecasting: What’s Your Prediction?
Forecasting in an important skill for both business and life. The ability to predetermine how people will react to unexpected announcements and decisions is an important forecasting skill. Follow the advice of Peter Drucker: whenever you make a key decision or take a key action, write down what you expect will happen. Compare the actual results with your prediction nine or 12 months later”.
If you master and use these seven fundamental habits for success, you’ll be able to deliver the outstanding performance typical of career stars.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my other blog www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a business, and my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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