3 Levels of Management Thinking

“Management works in the system; leadership works on the system.”

~ Stephen R. Covey

“Start with the end in mind. ”

~ Stephen R. Covey,

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Both of the quotes posted above are examples of Level 3 Thinking – which is the topic of today’s newsletter.

There are often three levels of problem solving and management. Here are some examples:

You want to reduce tardiness and absenteeism in your business ...

• Level one is to establish policies to address these issues.
• Level two is to make sure that the policies are being enforced (with consequences for repeated offenses).
• Level three is to do a better job of selecting responsible people when you hire and rewarding perfect attendance every month.

Your business wants to attract more customers…

• Level one is to schedule more sales calls.
• Level two is to improve in the sales process such as doing a better job of qualifying prospects and improving your sales presentations.
• Level three is to find ways to get clients to come to you or to address prospects in groups instead of individual meetings (big time saver).

You want to lose some weight…

• Level one could be to get on “the diet of the month”.
• Level two could include the “diet” and adding regular exercise.
• Level three may be to adapt a different life style – something you can maintain. With less dramatic results than a crash diet, but a sustainable life style that can help you lose weight gradually and keep it off.

As a manager you want to reduce the interruptions you experience in your job…

• Level one is to close the door to your office and not answer your phone.
• Level two could be to train your staff by being accessible only at certain times.
• Level three is simply to begin valuing your time and acting accordingly. Take responsibility and don’t let people impose upon your time.

This is the real solution. So pick an area you want better results in and take the time to figure out how to address that issue at Level three.

That means right now – what area, either business or personal that you would like to improve? Write it down and then begin the process!

Addressing issues at a deeper level is better! It usually takes some quiet time and a commitment to think past the first or second solution that comes to mind. Time invested in Level 3 Thinking is time well spent! Make sure to scroll down to the TIP of the day….it is a valuable one!

With our fast paced life style, we value our free time. And rightfully so! This can cause us to resist scheduling things.

I am going to suggest that you schedule the most important things that you want to maintain or bring about in your life or career. When I schedule 10% to 15% of my free time for those important things, lo and behold I start getting better results. What do you need to schedule? Pull out your personal calendar and schedule 2 things this week that will move you towards better results.

Selective scheduling leads to more free time and getting more of what you want in life.

The schedule is your friend – embrace it :-)!!

BE GRATEFUL and spread kindness – it will all come back to YOU!!

“What a pity human beings can’t exchange problems. Everyone knows exactly how to solve the other fellow’s.”

~ Olin Miller