Recently, on two separate occasions and for two different reasons, I was asked to thoroughly explain how the tasks different people were being asked to do were connected to a bigger picture or master plan. On many occasions this makes total sense, but I believe in these two situations the people were using this as a way to escape from doing the work.
Sometimes you just have to start the task or project and get work done. Finding new and more creative ways to try and stop yourself from getting work done (like making it seem you’re trying to be strategic) is only hurting your progress.
In certain cases, you have to do one of the following:
- Remember that the person asking for the work understands the higher purpose
- Recall the discussion about the higher purpose at the beginning of the journey, or key it in to the organization’s mission
- Call bulls&^t on yourself and discover if it’s a hiding tactic
Climbing the tree and ensuring you know you’re headed in the right direction is important, but being on the ground and chopping through the woods efficiently and effectively is also important.
Know which role you play on the team and when you just want a break from chopping, that’s when the real magic happens if you can push through.
