Generally, “focus” is a good thing. We teach our children the importance of focus in school. It is what helps us solve complex problems. And it is how we keep organizations on track.
In business, we need to keep our eye on the ball – monitoring our competition, our relevance in the marketplace, our growth and profitability. All of this takes focus.
But sometimes too much focus will backfire. This can cause myopia, defined as “lack of foresight or discernment or narrow-mindedness.” In other words, if we’re not careful, we can get focused intently on the wrong things.
We need to come up for air to stay on course!
I introduce all my clients to the concept of the “90-Day World” to assure focus is on the right stuff. It is a simple, yet powerful piece of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which helps them consistently stay on course. Here are the basics:
Identify your destination, i.e. get clear about your company vision.
Focus the leadership team on the 3-7 most important things that you must accomplish in the next 90 days, i.e. establish your quarterly rocks.
Meet every quarter to assess your rock completion rate (strive for 80%+).
Be willing to discuss, debate and solve issues that arise – quickly.
Learn from the past 90 days, then reset your new priorities (rocks) for the next 90 days.
Do this continuously throughout the life of your company… and you will always stay focused on the right things and stay on course.
If you can commit to the discipline of the 90-day world as outlined above, you will most likely confront your most important issues more quickly and reach your destination more directly.
It takes focus to stay on track. Just remember to step back periodically to make sure you’re focused on the right things. The 90-day cycle will keep you on track. Try it; I think you will love it!
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