Taming the Chaos: Prioritizing in a Disruptive World

Remember when setting priorities with a team seemed like a breeze? You gather the team, toss around some ideas, and boom—done!

Easy-peasy, right?

Well, let me tell you, once I dove into leading these sessions, I quickly learned that what sounds simple often turns into a chaotic circus. Here are some classic moments that might hit home:

• The Dominators:?You know the type—some team members can’t stop talking, while others barely get a word in.
• The Forgetters:?A few might nod along, but they have the attention span of a goldfish. Once they leave the room, they quickly forget everything that was discussed.
• The Emotional Rollercoaster:?When people’s ideas don’t make the cut, you can feel the tension rise - or when friction boils over into obvious frustration.
• The Time Sink: Everything takes longer than you think. You find yourself looking at the clock on the wall and wondering what happened.
• Déjà Vu All Over Again:?Six months later, you find yourself in the same spot, having the same chat. Yikes!

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath—you’re not alone.

After leading countless priority-setting sessions, I can assure you that, when done right, these discussions can be transformative. They turn a wish list of “nice-to-dos” into a laser-focused action plan that excites everyone.

The Secret Sauce: Reform, Perform, Transform

I lean on three simple words to help steer these sometimes stormy seas:?Reform, Perform, and Transform.

Think of this trio as your roadmap for effective prioritization,?keeping you grounded while aiming high.

1. Reform Priorities:?These are all about dusting off those past projects that have been sitting on the shelf. Ask your team: What goals have lingered without resolution? What past failures do we need to confront and overcome?
2. Perform Priorities:?The focus here is on elevating current performance. Challenge your team with questions like: How can we enhance our existing outcomes? What benchmarks do we need to set to reach the next level?
3. Transform Priorities:?This is where innovation happens. Encourage your team to think big: What are we currently overlooking that could revolutionize our approach? What new challenges can we embrace to change our impact fundamentally?

Building a Team That Thrives

The key is to create a space where every voice matters. When everyone pitches in and ideas are openly challenged, you gain clarity and ignite a sense of commitment that can skyrocket morale.

Wrapping It Up

In a world where disruption is the new norm, mastering the art of prioritization isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. By embracing the Reform, Perform, Transform framework, you can turn chaotic brainstorming sessions into powerhouse discussions that drive real action.

So, let’s shake things up and build teams that survive and thrive in disruption!

Make it a great day!

Patrick

#disruption #leadership #leader #success