There are many ways to do fine work. One approach is for people to build on their strengths and focus on a specific activity where they have the ability to do superb work.
They can then aim: a) to focus on clarity; b) to channel their character and competence to deliver consistently high standards; c) to, when appropriate, add that touch of class.
Different people follow these steps in different ways. Let’s explore these themes.
Clarity
Great workers often start by establishing clarity. Bearing in ming their strengths, they set specific goals. They aim to be crystal clear by focusing on the following themes.
Clarifying The Specific
Goals And Strategy
Different people take this step in different ways. Some focus on the following themes.
They clarify the specific goals – the real results – they want to achieve and translate these into a clear picture of success.
They clarify the specific strategies they can follow to give themselves the greatest chance of success.
They clarify the specific action plan they can aim to follow on the road towards achieving the pictures of success.
Such workers do their research and due diligence before committing to working to achieve certain goals. Some take the following steps.
Clarifying The Pluses And Minuses
Great workers go into a project with their eyes open. One approach is for them to focus on the following themes.
They clarify the pluses and minuses involved in working to achieve the picture of success.
They clarify how they can build on the pluses and minimise the minuses on the way towards achieving the goals.
They clarify their motivation rating – on a scale 0-10 – to do what is required to achieve the goals.
Such workers make sure their motivation rating at least 7+/10. They also clarify the specific things they can do to improve the rating. Sometimes this involves focusing on the next step.
Clarifying The
Chances Of Success
Great workers are often positive realists. Bearing this in mind, they focus on the following themes.
They clarify the success rating. Bearing in mind what they can control in the situation, the rate the probability of being able to achieve the goals. They rate this on a scale 0-10.
They clarify the specific things they can do to improve the rating and chances of achieving success.
They clarify how, when appropriate, they can get the required support, get some quick successes and encourage themselves on the journey.
Great workers also prepare properly before embarking on the project. They rehearse the specific things they can do: a) to follow their chosen strategies; b) to manage any potential challenges along the way.
They go into projects with their eyes open. They take time to reflect and, bearing in mind all the factors involved and they then commit to doing the work. This leads to the next step.
Consistently High Standards
Great workers aim to do their best and deliver consistently high standards. They take this approach whether they are performing at the Village Hall or the Carnegie Hall.
Different people do this in different ways. Whatever approach they take, however, they often focus on the following themes.
Character
Great workers have the character required to do superb work in their chosen activity. They make sure that they have the right drive, discipline and determination to manage challenges.
A salesperson must have the drive to hit financial targets. An actor must have the resilience to overcome rejection. An athlete must have the discipline to train every day.
Imagine that a person does have the right character. They may then focus on the following theme.
Competence
Great workers have the character required to deliver superb work in their chosen activity. This calls for them having the right combination of strengths, strategic thinking and skills.
Chefs must have a natural feeling for food. Carpenters must have the right skills to produce works of craftsmanship. Troubleshooters must be able to quickly get to the heart of the matter and make good strategic decisions.
Imagine that a person has the required competence. They may then focus on the following theme.
Consistently High Standards
Great workers aim to follow good habits and deliver consistently high standards. They may do this by taking the following steps when doing a piece of work.
They clarify the results they want to achieve and rehearse what they are going to do next.
They follow their chosen strategy, deliver high standards and find solutions to challenges.
They focus on continuous improvement by aiming: a) to build on what is working; b) to tackle areas for improvement.
Imagine that a person is delivering consistently high standards. They may then focus on the following theme.
Class
Great workers sometimes reach their goals by being creative and adding that touch of class. Sometimes this can be a simple act of kindness. Sometimes it can be something spectacular.
The footballer scores a remarkable goal. The singer produces a memorable encore. The medical team works brilliantly to deliver a life-saving operation.
Great workers sometimes go into another dimension and give people a positive memory of life. They keep doing the basics and then add the brilliance on the way towards achieving the picture of success.
There are many ways to do superb work. One approach is to start by focusing on clarity and then delivering consistently high standards. When appropriate, it can also mean adding that touch of class.
Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way? If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme.
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