Do you ‘sharpen the saw’ of your organisation from time to time?

Stephen M. R. Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People teaches us as individuals to “sharpen the saw”: to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. Also for teams and organisations, it is essential to take a step back from time to time to reflect, rethink and anticipate future challenges.

At IMPPROVE Consulting , we see it time and again: anticipation is the key to project success, but it’s not always easy to achieve. In the rush of daily operations, many organizations struggle to pause, define their objectives, and map out a clear path forward.

Anticipation in Action

Taking the time to sharpen your saw at the project level means:

• Clarifying Results: What are the outcomes you’re working toward?
• Mapping the Journey: How will you get there? What resources and steps are needed?
• Trusting the Process: With a clear plan in place, execution becomes a matter of following through.

While this approach sounds simple, it requires discipline: stepping back, reflecting, and planning—actions that often feel counterintuitive amidst the urgency of day-to-day tasks. Yet, this is where the real value lies.

The Power of ‘sharpening the saw’

When applied consistently, a step back moment to sharpen the saw creates alignment and momentum. Teams move with purpose, projects stay on track.

At IMPPROVE Consulting , we specialize in helping organizations adopt this practice and mindset. We guide you in sharpening your saw—whether it’s refining your strategy, operational plans or building processes that ensure your projects deliver results.

Are you ready to take a step back? Let’s explore how we can help you and your teams anticipate, adapt, and thrive.

#Leadership #Strategy #ProjectManagement #Anticipation #Covey