Survival is success during crisis. It fails in the long-term.
Define meaningful action to thrive. Typically, we define purpose, choose goals, and set priorities. But there’s a better order. Priorities before goals.
- Define purpose
- Set priorities
- Choose goals
Meaningful Action for Individuals
Meaning takes center stage when priorities drive goals.
- Purpose infuses meaning into actions. It provides direction.
- Priorities determine focus. They define distraction.
- Goals define targets, milestones, and actions.
Goals without meaning are beasts.
Example
The purpose of life, from a Christian point of view, is to love God and people. If you don’t believe in God, love people. In practice, your purpose is to maximize contribution. There are two questions:
- How can you best contribute? (Consider values, abilities, and opportunities.)
- How can you expand your ability to meaningfully contribute?
I expand my ability to contribute by learning. It might be a coaching seminar, studying a topic, or seeking advice. I ask, how can I bring value to the people I’m coaching?
This morning, I asked my wife, “What would you love me to do for you today?” She told me, “Empty the dirt and rocks from my cart.” (I’m her garden boy.)
Summary: Meaningful action expresses purpose and aligns with priorities.
Meaningful Action for Teams
#1 Define Shared Purpose
Ask, “Why do we exist beyond making money or hitting metrics?”
Repeat it often. Embed purpose in meetings, decisions, and celebrations.
#2 Define and Communicate Priorities
Distinguish between what’s important and what’s urgent. Use “Big Rocks” principles.*
#3. Set Goals
Ask, “If we only did three things this quarter, what would they be?”
#4 Audit for Alignment
Ask, “How do our goals reflect our purpose and priorities?”
Eliminate goals that dilute focus.
#5 Honor aligned effort
What is your priority today?
Challenge: Ask each team member what their priority is today.
*Put One Big Rock on Your Calendar
*Put in the Big Rocks: How to Do Things that Matter Most Before it’s too Late