Defining DONE!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that one of the steps to driving tasks to “DONE” was to define what done is. So I wanted to grab a few moments  to take a deeper dive into what sounded like a simple activity.

When we're doing something, it is almost always for someone else, let's call them the client. When I'm doing something by myself, I ask the client is this what you mean by done? And then I ask

‘if I do it this way is that a good standard for you’?

I always ask this, even for simple tasks. If I'm having a conversation with somebody and I agree to do something very simple, I will still say at the end of the conversation:

"let me please just reflect back to you what I think my action items are for you - you want X done by this date, and if it's done like this then you will find that satisfactory. Is that correct?"

You'd be amazed at how much clarity comes out of something simple like that.

The other situation is when I'm doing something for the client, and I'm working with a team, here I do exactly the same thing. First, I confirm with the client what DONE is, and what an acceptable standard is. Second, I tell the team what we are doing, what done is, and what the acceptable standard is. Thirdly, I apportion the work that I want them to do, and  also tell them how it contributes to DONE. Finally, I asked them at the end of the conversation to reflect back to me what they are going to do for me, what DONE is, and what the acceptable standard is.

When I first started this practice, I was very nervous that it would make me appear unprofessional or a micromanager. In fact, I have had nothing but positive feedback from both customers and teammates. They enjoy the clarity. The clarity of knowing I know what they want, and what an acceptable level is; and also knowing when it needs to be done.

This is truly a WIN-WIN-WIN situation. Not only do you very rapidly get a reputation for being someone who delivers to a high standard of reliably, but you'll find that your teammates enjoy working with you because you exude a level of confident professionalism in your conversations.

So the next time you think about getting something done, make sure that you define DONE fully; you'll find it a lot easier to do (and by that I don't mean to start doing, but drive through to finished and DONE!).

Until next month, this is Tony Sherman the Implementation Rabbi and Impact Teams, hoping that in your work life there is nothing broken or missing.

Master Your Life While Smiling! Meet Jenny Drescher

 Hi, my name is Jenny Drescher. I’m a Choice Coach and Speaker. I also do Improv Comedy.

I put my coach training into a big pot with my improvisation training, and out came a terrific recipe for unique developmental and learning environments. The blend of coaching and improvisation has proven to be a powerful and exciting strategy for my clients to get the results they want. As a coach, I serve my clients by being a supportive 2"x4" wrapped in velvet, a confidence-builder, and a change catalyst. As an improviser, I have them smiling while they grow, even through really big challenges.

Teaching people to completely own their lives, laugh more, and never again get in their own way or be held back by others is my passion. I know what it’s like to be frustrated by getting stuck in the same pattern over and over and feeling like you’re getting nowhere, because I've been there; I'll tell you about it sometime.

I offer customized talks and playshops designed to empower and teach you and/or your group in a fun, energizing way. A playshop is a dynamic, highly interactive environment where you will use your brain, body, voice, and sense of humor. You will not sit for hours while your butt gets numb. Together, we will stretch and develop as a team using laughter and play. Even through the challenging parts you and your group will feel supported, secure, and will smile while you build your bridge to what you really want.

I work with individuals, small teams, and service organizations to become adaptable, confident, resilient, and creative. Are you and your team ready to become unstoppable?

Visit me at www.bridgetochoice.com for information about my programs and services.