Slamming the door on pitiful task management

You were good at getting things done when you were working on your own. You did it all. Nothing slipped through the cracks. You finished what you started with a complete set of tried and true Next Steps. The devil was in the details and you were the devil’s task master... you sold, you serviced and you could count on successful outcomes.

But now things are different. You are growing and losing control. The door has been left wide open and it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep important details and follow-up in check. Work groups need tools and systems to slam the door shut on task and process mismanagement!   

The problems start with the little things. Even with the best of intentions we all forget simple tasks... remembering to call someone when promised; sending the email follow-up; entering quick notes about your last conversation; adding the extra something... little professional things that people notice, customers love and clients have learned to expect. Each and every work group member must have a system in place for doing the little things... for doing exceptional follow-up.

The second issue is with process management. The checklist that kept you on-track fell by the wayside when things ramped up and more people jumped into the mix. Work groups need to be well trained relay runners with clear-cut systems for handing-off and receiving batons. A complete process development and management system needs to be implemented in a collaborative work space. We need to plan, rehearse and monitor the delivery of our services and products.  

So, what’s the key to making this all work for your organization?

We must have a shared calendar that is linked to our contact data and driven by our unique and powerful strategies and tactics. We must have a tool set that gives us the ability to plan, develop and implement systems that create task reminders in a shared work group calendar. Those tasks are the key Action Steps you predetermine when you create a  terrific step-by-step process. The rubber only hits the road when important task reminders are clearly displayed in the calendar and someone who cares makes sure things get done.

So come on, like my Mom used to say, were you born in a barn...?
Close that damn door!

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