Prepare Yourself!

Paul "Bear" Bryant once said,  "It's not the will to win that matters-everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters."   Bryant was college football coach, best known as the leader of the University of Alabama football team.  Bryant knew a thing or two about the need for game preparation.; he ended his coaching career by becoming the all time most successful coach in the NCAA with a record of 323 wins and 85 losses

The same philosophy about football can be applied to management.  As every experienced manager knows, today will not be like yesterday, and you should always be prepared for tomorrow.  While today's tasks, project and employee issues may carry over from one week to the next, not a day will go by when you aren't asked to do something new.  So, how do you keep yourself prepared to 'expect the unexpected'? 

What if you get a phone call today from your boss asking you to lead a project team that will improve the way you serve your customers?  She wants you to begin right away by scheduling a meeting with various team members.  In all likelihood, you will look at your to-do list and your desk piled with papers, and your reaction will be "Where will I find the time to do this?"   Well, that's where preparation comes in.

There are many tools available for you to become prepared, and to see your work through to completion.  A project plan is the best place to start when you are assigned something new; it's a roadmap to achieving the final implementation or goal.  (More to come on this in an upcoming Teleseminar!)

Creating a project plan will allow you to be, and feel, much more prepared for the task at hand.  Brainstorm all of the activities required to complete the project.  Sometimes you can start this alone, then bring in others for their input as needed.  Then, with the understanding of the implementation date, work backwards to insure all tasks have plenty of time to complete them.  Assign owners to each task, and meet with them regularly to be sure they are on track.

This type of organized preparation will allow you to work in a methodical way and anticipate any bumps in the road before they cause you to crash. 

Be prepared to succeed!  Sure, it can be overwhelming and intimidating to receive a new project without the opportunity of time.  But take each of your tasks, projects and activities with a can-do attitude.  After all, your boss has asked you to handle this new project because she believes in your abilities.this is your chance to prove her right!

                                                                         Lead with Confidence,
 

P.S. Visit our website The Leadership Resource for more valuable information to Lead with Confidence!