I had a nice chuckle when reading a very different time management system, and came across this simple fact.
Moses did not deliver the “10 Suggestions” or the “10 Good Ideas”. It was COMMANDMENTS.
They were positioned as RULES, not general guidelines. So in our businesses and in our lives – the message is that for some things we need COMMANDMENTS. “Zero Tolerance” is one way to think about it.
For our employees it can give freedom to be creative – within the our policies [commandments]. Thou shalt ‘greet each customer with a smile’ or thou shalt ‘actually read the credit card docket and circle the approval and the amount and initial it’. Zero tolerance.
In terms of managing our time better – the point was clear – if we don’t value our own time and have clear rules [commandments] to defend our own time – then we allow others to steal it. eg ‘Thou shalt not disturb me for any reason not listed on the emergency list during my scheduled call/thinking/production/writing/planning/quiet time.’
And “Thou shalt word any message left for me in a way that avoids me having to ask questions about the message.”
And “All scheduled activities shall have an “allowed time” for their completion. ” “No meeting shall begin without clarity on when it will finish.”
In the absence of RULES, people will adopt their own. And the rules they create without thinking or transfer from their last job where the company went broke – may not be rules that are good for your business.
What are your rules? For business? For relationships? For family? Even for your health? Have you written them down and considered them? Do your employees know your rules? Do your clients or customers know your rules?
Once you consciously know your rules – you move to a position of power of those who don’t. No longer a victim of the clarity vacuum that makes you weak and uncertain.
And some of your RULES will be COMMANDMENTS that you will be a hard-nosed bastard about defending with zero tolerance. Because that is what gives you actual control of your life. The clearer and better defended your rules – the more leverage you have over your time.
Cheers
James Hooper
Business Coach Townsville