Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Workflow Management -- Five Steps of Success
Because the work at hand is a process not an outcome, a journey not a destination, I call David Allen's work flow model 5 steps of (not to) success. As important as having certain outcomes or ends in mind, the process and journey is even more so. This is why "stress free productivity" is the central message of interest here. Having already comprehended GTD in the literal sense, now a more meaningful understanding of all this is dawning. Here I will sum up these 5 steps in as illuminating yet concise manner as possible:
3-ORGANIZE & STRUCTURE - Details of Implementation: Having a Plan and acknowledging the practical physical details necessary for creative implementing and manifesting into meaningful desirable outcomes. Daily Task Lists (Next Actions, Phone Calls, Errands, Appointments, etc), Master Task List, Schedule of Appointments and Work Obligations. Projects List, Areas of Focus (Mind Rooms), Long Term Goals and Visions, Someday/Maybe Wish Lists.
4-REVIEW & RESPOND - The trickiest part because it is about REMEMBERING, not just updating and refining the lists but knowing the right CUE to ACT (the next step). Proper review not only establishes everything neatly and to perfection on paper or digital calendars, via daily, weekly and monthly reviews of all lists, but more importantly PREPARES YOU TO ACT at the appropriate time and place, as if one was going on stage in theatrical performance (and sometimes before a large audience!).
5-ACTION & WILLINGNESS - If it means starting exactly where you are here/now and noticing directly in front of you what needs clearing, cleaning, collecting, processing, etc, then DO IT. Although the most streamlined and well prepared actions arise out of proper organization and review, there are immediate responses to the environment that are also within the individual's responsibility to take action, spur of the moment situations that crop up during the day. There is also the action of DEFINING WORK, which is essentially what David Allen's system for "Getting Things Done" is for. The final follow through is in the ACTION, the forward moving progression by which the idea becomes an actuality.
*If there is a Sixth Step I would equate with the Sixth Sense... this is Intuition and Inner Guidance system, beyond the purely concrete and practical aspects, which is really no other than your own core VALUES.
JDZ
1-CLEAN, CLEAR, COLLECT or TOSS OUT all loose ends. Use in-baskets, notepads, email and voice mail, etc: In essence, ELIMINATE all stuff that is taking up valuable space (including body toxins, via exercise/sauna). Clear the decks and neaten up the area so I am ready and able to work.
2-PROCESS & FOCUS Intentions - What is this thing in my in-basket? What is the desired/intended outcome for it and the next action steps necessary toward completion. Get an increasingly more in-focus sense or vision of what it is I am doing, step by step accomplishment that begins with bringing immediate tasks and goals to conscious aware.
3-ORGANIZE & STRUCTURE - Details of Implementation: Having a Plan and acknowledging the practical physical details necessary for creative implementing and manifesting into meaningful desirable outcomes. Daily Task Lists (Next Actions, Phone Calls, Errands, Appointments, etc), Master Task List, Schedule of Appointments and Work Obligations. Projects List, Areas of Focus (Mind Rooms), Long Term Goals and Visions, Someday/Maybe Wish Lists.
4-REVIEW & RESPOND - The trickiest part because it is about REMEMBERING, not just updating and refining the lists but knowing the right CUE to ACT (the next step). Proper review not only establishes everything neatly and to perfection on paper or digital calendars, via daily, weekly and monthly reviews of all lists, but more importantly PREPARES YOU TO ACT at the appropriate time and place, as if one was going on stage in theatrical performance (and sometimes before a large audience!).
5-ACTION & WILLINGNESS - If it means starting exactly where you are here/now and noticing directly in front of you what needs clearing, cleaning, collecting, processing, etc, then DO IT. Although the most streamlined and well prepared actions arise out of proper organization and review, there are immediate responses to the environment that are also within the individual's responsibility to take action, spur of the moment situations that crop up during the day. There is also the action of DEFINING WORK, which is essentially what David Allen's system for "Getting Things Done" is for. The final follow through is in the ACTION, the forward moving progression by which the idea becomes an actuality.
*If there is a Sixth Step I would equate with the Sixth Sense... this is Intuition and Inner Guidance system, beyond the purely concrete and practical aspects, which is really no other than your own core VALUES.
JDZ
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