“Energy Roadblocks & Speed Bumps” – Energy Growth Part 2 of 3
“We’ve been over this and over this and over this.”
“How many times do we have to have this same discussion?”
“That’s not something we talk about.”
Speed bumps. Energy is not tied directly to the number of things you need to do but instead fluctuates based on the rewards of doing the tasks. Completing a project generates energy. Achieving a goal creates energy. Making solid progress and seeing the results of your work all create energy.
Repeating decisions, arguing, misdirection, interruptions, starting and stopping all suck energy; these are all speed bumps.
Changing the plan mid-stream is a classic “Hugh maneuver” that feels as if, “We’re being nimble and reactive to changing parameters,” but more often means, “We didn’t think hard enough before we launched into the project.”
A few more scenarios, a few more thoughtful plans and more contingencies considered in advance would keep the energy flowing towards completion instead of slowing the process down, like a speed bump.
Roadblocks. Ever get your crew all set to start, moving equipment into position, and realize that you’re short on pruners, don’t have enough paint, or can’t find the one wrench you need to get the whole thing going?
That’s a roadblock, and it kills energy. As the leader, at any level, planning and preparation are the only ways to avoid nuisance roadblocks. Your job is to ensure that your team has what they need to keep things flowing.
How to build energy for your business.
As you structure your day and the day’s work for your crew, purposefully structure it to enable the most extended amount of “time on task” and minimum time spent switching from project to project.
Plan out the tools, supplies, and equipment for the following day, the night before. We even like to move things into position, hook up tractors, and stock supplies the night before, so we can hit the ground running in the morning when the team is full of energy.
Leave support tasks for the late afternoon. Restocking, cleaning up, inventories; mindless tasks such as mowing, weed whacking, checking emails, setting up orders, replacing tools, hooking up equipment, etc.
Payroll efficiency is a bonus. The proper management of energy throughout the life cycle of new projects and daily tasks keeps your team motivated.
And we all know that a motivated, efficient team allows us to get more done each day utilizing the same amount of energy.
Have a great week, and drop me a line on how these ideas are landing with you and your team,
Hugh
PS What’s your management trick to avoid roadblocks and speed bumps? Email us you best examples, we’d love to hear from you.
