Read This If You're Waiting For Something
In the "productivity" or "project management" world, things you're waiting on are called dependencies.
In the "productivity" or "project management" world, things you're waiting on are called dependencies.
You're dependent on someone's work to get done so you can start your own.
In complex projects, you may have multiple dependencies--which means even if some of them are ready on time or ahead of schedule if ONE of them is late, your start time is late.
Based on this, you can easily guess that the fewer dependencies you have, the faster you can go because you're in more control of your start/finish times.
One of the reasons startups move so fast is because there are fewer departments, fewer regulations or requirements, and often, fewer stakeholders weighing in.
Faster doesn't always mean better, I'm just pointing out a real-world example, here.
The point is, that whatever you're doing, you may be waiting on dependencies that you have no control over and you might be waiting on dependencies that you can remove.
Distinguishing and scrutinizing dependencies are the skills we're developing, here.
2 Minute Action:
What are the things you're waiting on to finish or even start?
What would happen if you went ahead without them?
If you're a surgeon and you're waiting on the blood-type of your patient, you should probably hold off until you have it. The stakes are high.
For most other scenarios, the stakes aren't very high and you might find that you can get to your goal faster if you eliminate dependencies or if you work in parallel while they're in progress.
So, in 2 minutes, find a dependency you have and challenge it.
Make it fight for its life to stay a dependency.
Your work depends on it.
How To Know If Your Project Is Broken And 3 Ways To Fix It
When faced with a workload, there are basically 3 ways to address it.
You can slash tasks and agree to get less done.You can increase your capacity to do the tasks, which may mean hiring people and taking on overhead costs.You can automate and streamline processes to make work with existing resources get done faster.Thats it.
When facing crises, this might mean the stakes are high.
If that’s true, you may need to involve stakeholders to “pick your poison.”If you can’t hire more people and if you can’t decrease the workload, you’re going to have to increase speed or work extra hours to get it done.
This means your project might be broken!
If you’re working extra hours, something is broken.If your work requires heroism or martyrdom to get finished on a regular basis, your project is broken!
2 Minute Action
Take your pick of these three options. You may fine that a hybrid method works, too—using two or all three at the same time.Reply here with your hunch and let me know how you plan to execute!
It's Not Your Fault, But It Is Your Responsibility
The skills that were taught in school are mostly irrelevant.
Sure, there are basics like math and reading--but even now, the average reading level in the US is 8th grade.
It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
It's not fair, for sure.
The sooner we accept and adjust, the sooner we can get moving.
What skills are relevant for your success, today?How about in 10 years?
There are basic, fundamental skills that are required in everything you do.
Some of these are reading, writing, and math.
Then, there are multiplier skills, which help you get better at other skills.
Some of these are discipline, focus, and work ethic.
There are also transferrable skills which are more advanced and can be useful across any field.
Some of these are project management, negotiation, and leadership.
It's not your fault you were never taught these things.
But it is no one's responsibility but yours to make sure you practice, learn, and successfully implement these skills.
2 Minute Action:
Take 2 minutes to identify which of these skills you feel you are good at.Which ones are you bad at?Now is the time to commit to improving 1 of those weaknesses.The world is your oyster. "I don't know how" is a poor excuse.You have the internet, professional counselors, universities, and a supercomputer in your pocket.
"You have everything you need to build something bigger than yourself."- Seth Godin