The next question I ask when I prioritize is whether this task is going to get me to my goal.
This assumes, of course, that I HAVE a goal or well-defined strategic direction.
A recent client set a strategic focus for the year – “Retain Current Members”
Their thinking (paraphrased) – “If we make the membership experience for our current members awesome; not only do we keep the current members, we attract new ones because the current ones are so happy.”
They have very limited human resources to execute any initiatives that will help retain current members.
Thankfully, they already have reports showing membership numbers and current retention rates. I don’t know whether they came up with a target change number (knowing this client, he likely did), but “higher” is acceptable.
The next step, for them, is taking all of the current requests and beginning to evaluate them against the question “Will this help us retain current members?”
The more likely the task will help them retain current members, the more important the task.
This activity might show that some tasks and projects need to be de-prioritized and made less important. If the emphasis for the organization has always been on “Gaining New Members” – this process could be painful.
The goal is to keep the goal, the goal! Focus on it, don’t get caught up in a bunch of other things.
– Dan John
Will that task get you to your goals?
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