Can you name a nine-letter word that identifies the reason most companies and individuals fail to meet their full potential?
E-X-E-C-U-T-I-O-N
OK, it was a trick question. More realistically, it is a lack of execution.
According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary “execute” is defined as: [to carry out; perform; do.]
The issue is not a lack of knowledge. It is a shortage of “do.” Try this out, for the next seven days focus on the “do”—the concept of execution.
The author Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence) once said, “It is amazing how many people in the oil business fail to get the message that in order to strike oil, you have to dig a hole.”
Popular clichés remind us “talk is cheap” and “after all is said and done … more is said than done.”
If you want to strike oil, dig a hole. If you want to grow your business, do more.
I’m not suggesting that planning, thinking, reflecting, and strategizing are not necessary steps in establishing excellence. I‘m reminding you that sooner or later you will need to put your money where your mouth is and put your knowledge, skills and personality into motion and (wait for it) execute your plan.
I have a three-pronged suggestion for you.
- Finish what you start.
- Perform job tasks like the confident professional you are.
- Do what you say you will do.
Try it out for a week. Execute your skills with energy, enthusiasm and confidence.
Mike Marchev is a non-linear thinker who makes his living shooting from the hip. Wanna know more? Send me an email … mike@mikemarchev.com
