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Bias towards action

Geneé
August 1, 2024
8 min

1. Evaluate the Necessity of Tasks

Before diving into any task, it's crucial to determine its importance:

  • Is this task essential? Not every task that comes your way needs to be done.
  • Can it be delegated? If you're in a leadership role, consider if a team member can handle it.
  • Does it align with priorities? Ensure the task supports your manager's and company's goals

2. Prioritize Your Actions

Once you've identified important tasks, prioritize them effectively:

  • Company Goals: Align your tasks with the company's mission, vision, and values.
  • Areas of Responsibility (AORs): Clarify ownership of processes to avoid confusion.
  • Action Tracker: Keep a record of your commitments and agreements.

By consistently aligning your actions with these elements, you can focus on what truly matters and avoid distractions.

3. Act Quickly and Iteratively

To foster a bias towards action, ask yourself, "How can I make this happen in the next 30 minutes?" This mindset encourages rapid execution and iterative improvement:

  • Avoid Perfectionism: Don't wait for a task to be perfect before sharing it. Get feedback early and iterate.
  • Empower Your Team: Encourage your team to declare their intentions and solicit feedback, promoting autonomy and decision-making.

4, Take Preemptive Action

Anticipate needs before they arise. Ask yourself, "What can I accomplish before someone assigns me an action?" This proactive approach can significantly enhance your effectiveness:

  • As an Individual Contributor: Preemptively draft emails or prepare materials that align with your manager's goals.
  • As a Manager: Plan and document processes to ensure smooth operations and scalability.
  • As a Leader: Identify and act on key tasks that will drive your team and organization forward.
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Geneé
August 1, 2024
8 min