One of the great qualities of the book "Simplicity" that it provides a couple of "how to" ideas. It's no secret that I have limited use for books that get all around an idea without any practical advice about what steps an individual should take to make it happen in the real world.

The author, Bill Jensen, shares his building blocks for preparing to use other people's time. The point he brings out is that we very seldom take time to think through all aspects of our interactions with our coworkers. We think that our conversations are clear. Because we are ill prepared for most conversations, instead of clarity, we produce a certain amount of chaos.

When considering projects that will add to the work load the following five steps are suggested by Mr. Jensen:

1. Know

Knowing which few things are important

2. Feel

Considering and planning what the experience will feel like

3. Use

Focusing on the tools and resources to be used

4. Do

Creating and managing expectations

5. Succeed

Creating a teachable view of what you are trying to achieve

"Simplicity", Page 49

I've developed a template for my use. It gives me five columns headed with these five ideas. I've had the opportunity to use this tool once. It was in preparation for a meeting that involved several members of my staff. It worked well enough, with a few hitches. It will take some time to develop a feel for using these building blocks.

And certainly there are other methods that can, and do, work just as well. The general ideas of:

(1) spending time in preparation prior to asking someone to give their time to a project

and

(2) making sure that all aspects of that interaction are considered

are important.

These are the key concepts. Concepts that should be carefully, thoughtfully considered.......
9:49:55 PM    comment []