doug smith training

How is your sense of urgency? When something is important, do you ramp up a bit, do you ratchet up your resources, do you move faster and more decisively? Most leaders can tell just by looking at someone whether or not they have a sense of urgency in that moment. There's an important feature in that skill: in that moment. Just because someone doesn't look urgent right now doesn't mean that they aren't sometimes quite urgent. We can, and should, practice urgency without burning out. "In that moment" matters. That's one of the benefits of deadlines: creating those moments of urgency that we might otherwise lack. There's nothing like a deadline to make you increase your sense of urgency. And usually, more urgency translates into more speed. We do want to get things done, right? -- doug smith  

Now is one of those words that means different things to different people. It implies a sense of urgency. Immediacy.  And, it can mean so much more. When I say "now!" I mean it will not be perfect but it will be DONE. When I say "now!" I mean seriously, attentively, and instantly. When I say "now!" I mean "now for me" without expecting anyone else to follow automatically. If it's not urgent for you, even if it is for me, just let me know. What do you mean when you say now? -- doug smith  

  If you miss the deadline on your goal, what should you do? Should you... a) extend the deadline b) break the goal down into smaller goals c) double your attention time on the goal d) all of the above If it matters the choice could be: all of the above. When the goal is important you do what you need to do to achieve that goal. Missing the deadline is not the end of the world. It should definitely up the urgency, though. -- doug smith

  Have you ever acted quickly in an urgent situation, because it was urgent, only to later discover there was a better choice? High performance leaders do need a sense of urgency. They also need a clear view and careful analysis before acting recklessly. Time provides perspective that urgency can not. Take a breath. Take some time. Make your best call. -- doug smith

When do you have to get off of the sidelines and take charge? When there is an urgent problem, and no one is willing to step up? When you care about the outcome, and the outlook is grim? When your instincts tell you to move forward? Yes, yes, and yes. Sometimes we have to lead because no one else will. -- doug smith

Do you ever lose your patience? High performance leaders sometimes focus so much on results that we get impatient about it. That's not all bad. Leaders need a sense of urgency. Just as long as we don't take it out on our team members. Press, don't distress. Push, don't crush. Every day provides opportunities to practice patience. -- doug smith