Valant & Company's Solid Rules
Can Ensure Success in Life, Business
Editor's Note: Today we present the fourth installment in a special inspirational series from business performance improvement expert Laurence B. Valant, who specializes in growing profits for accounting firms and general business. Larry has been a frequent contributor to our newsletter, and again today, we feature excerpts from his new book, Stop Breaking These Rules! 100 Hard-Hitting Truths for Business Integrity and Performance. If you want more information or would like to order a copy of the wonderful new book, please visit www.valantco.com.
22 - Do the hardest thing first.
I have learned that the key to getting things done is to always (practically speaking) to complete the hardest things first. When I tackle the hardest tasks first, the rest is like a comfortable ski run downhill.
I make it a rule to start each day very early before the phone begins to ring so that I have quality, uninterrupted time to focus on prioritizing assignments. And, I clear my desk at the end of each day, without fail, and review schedules for those tasks that require more than one day to complete. I do not allow my performance to fall behind schedule and commitments.
Facing tough challenges head on is a key characteristic of the successful, and tells those who observe us that we have the discipline to deliver when others may not. Consistency and reliability result from our discipline in undertaking and completing tough challenges. "You can count me" is the message we send.
23 - The temptation is to over promise and this always results in under delivery.
When asked to do something, we too easily reply, "Yes, I think so." When in fact a little thought would make it clear we are over-promising and therefore will not be able to deliver as promised. And to be sure, the person who made the initial, often unreasonable request will forget that the request was unreasonable and only remember your failure to deliver.
And unfortunately, this behavior is most likely to occur when and where we can least afford failure: when we are under pressure from our bosses and our clients.
Before committing 1) clarify what is being required, 2) ensure necessary resources are available and 3) always add additional time for the unexpected. This pause for planning will make it almost impossible to over promise and therefore under deliver.
Pause before you commit. Learn to under promise and over deliver. You will earn a reputation for reliability and dependability. Not a bad way to be perceived.
24 - Don't live someone else's dream.
The world is filled with people who work for a paycheck, go through the motions and watch others make dreams come true.
I have always held a leadership role and learned very early in life that I cannot hope to have people join with me and follow my dream or vision unless I have defined and articulated that dream intelligently and with passion. I have also learned that living my own dream requires an ability to set goals, create a plan and follow through with determination! People will follow a dream with purpose to it!
Every person who walks out their front door every Monday morning should ask, "Have I found fulfillment in my work world? Can I can identify with the vision and dream of the company or individuals with whom I have chosen to align? Do the leaders of my company or do I as a leader communicate my dreams and my vision with passion? "
If the answer to any of these questions is "no", you are living someone else's dream.
