Don’t sweat the small stuff says Richard Carlton. Do sweat the small stuff say others. Focus on the big picture your CEO says, but your team leader says pay attention to the details.
Sometimes it’s hard to know if today you’re gazing at the moon or counting the number of stars.
In reality we focus on both and hold the big picture vision for the organisation in our mind while focusing on the small details, the steps that will get us there.
The big picture is critical for the organisation to know where it is going, but it’s the staff that will get the organisation there, and for some of us, the little things in our lives matter. The big ticket items, like visions statements, training programs and incentive schemes motivate some employees, but the little things tend to matter to all of us. And best of all, the little things are often free.
It is:
• Having a good induction plan and program to welcome a new employee that includes a good social orientation to the organisation as well.
• Saying hello in the morning, not rushing in head down and getting straight on with work. You don’t need to have a deep and meaningful conversation with everyone you come across, but saying hello to your whole team is a great way to start the day and engage your team or your manager (yes it goes both ways!)
• Starting an email with a courteous salutation, like “Good morning George…”, or “Dear Jane…”. It’s not starting an email with just the person’s name or even worse, their initials, or nothing at all!
The small things in a meeting are also the things that are likely to make or break it.
When I’m planning a meeting, I am focused on the smallest of details:
• Can everyone see well from all seating positions – yes, I try them out!
• Can everyone hear from anyone or anywhere in the room?
• Have I clearly and in detail explained the purpose of the meeting and what I want from each person who has been invited?
• Have I spelt their name right, have I practiced how to pronounce it?
When I’m running a meeting, the tiniest of details are important:
• Do I notice any subtle movement, is it someone trying to get a word in, should I call on them to contribute?
• Do I stick to the time limit and finish the meeting when scheduled?
• Do my methods match my big picture vision for the meeting?
• Do the minutes and notes accurately reflect what was said and decided?
• Do I thank everyone for their time?
The little things are the steps you are taking to achieve your goals and your organisation’s vision.
What little things do you do each day?
(Article and photo by Adrianne Harris)