This is one that actually haunts me on a regular basis. I think it's tied into my focus problem, because I will start something and prepare and have every intention of finishing or continuing what was started, but for one reason or another, I don't. There's a list of things much too long, that I haven't followed up on. The only good news is that my list is getting shorter as I get better at this.
For instance, when we first started, I made it clear I'd be meeting with and evaluating staff on a regular basis. We had a couple formal evaluations, but the last one was back in May and even regular feedback meetings have fallen off. I could do better.
There are a couple of things that we've "launched" at church that haven't reached their full potential because of poor follow though. I can think of some parenting or schooling ideas we've started at home that had great potential, but I didn't follow through. Even looking at the number of books around my house that I haven't finished reading... Like I said, I could do better.
So here's what I've learned so far...
- Learn to say "no" or "wait." If you say yes too early and aren't ready to make sure stuff happens after the initial start, you'll frustrate yourself and others.
- Write it down on your to-do list. You may have a great memory but if it doesn't get written down, I've learned it often doesn't get done no matter how good your intentions.
- Let other people hold you accountable. I've heard it said that you can only expect what you inspect and that's held pretty true with staff and volunteers. Now when I hear someone mention a project that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, I thank them instead of making excuses.
- Have a plan. I used to think I'd just intuitively know what to do, but sometimes I don't. It's helped tremendously to plan the steps involved in making things happen. And of course, write them down.
- Work hard. Some people just naturally accomplish stuff. Me, I need to work at it. Sometimes it's a lot of work, but in the end it's worth it. Only bad thing is I've still got TONS of work left to do just in this area
So what do you do to help you finish what you start?
1 comment:
One technique that I have used and had used with me is this:
After having the "big" meeting/evaluation/whatever, where you develop the S.M.A.R.T Goals (Specific, Measurable, Agreed-upon, Realistic, Time-bound). You set up regular intervals to meet- quarterly, for instance. Here's the twist: Because the goals that are ultimately designed to help the staff member develop, it is their responsibility to remind and schedule the followup meeting ("Jason, we're coming up on our quarterly follow-up meeting. What day is good for you in the next two weeks?"). You can send them an email reminder if you want, but it puts the onus on them. YOU are responsible for scheduling the annual meetings/evaluations. If a staff member doesn't schedule the interim meetings with you and ignores the friendly reminders, then that gets discussed at the annual meeting (unless their is something that requires immediate attention). If their area of responsibility has suffered or not grown, or they haven't grown, and they never tried to get with you- Well, that goes into the evaluation.
I know this is a little "corporate", but the basic idea is that the individual has to take some responsibility for their development, and by leaving the scheduling of the interim meetings in their hands, they get to take some ownership of their growth, and you are freed up to be a resource for them, not just "the big, bad, boss-man".
Of course, you understand that none of this applies to me when I get there, right?
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