Before we can build external processes to simplify and improve productivity, we must reduce our internal processes to match our desire and abilities.
We do not need to wax long as to why we can not lift boxes from a shelf like an NBA player, suffice it to say everyone has their optimal internal processes. If you hope to effect the external world and the external process you encounter daily each work day, it helps to have some insight on your internal processes and best practices.
It is easy to say "I have no control!" Along with a number of other defeatist lines like "get over it", or "just get on with your life". We are not here to focus on the absurdity of the human existence, rather to make better decisions personally and professionally.
So we can discuss our internal process and how to maximize it. There are countless mythologies for this, so I'll limit my discussion to small business owner-related processes for this "process of one" discussion.
All small business owners have to be balanced more than they have to be specialized. For simplicity sake let's say they have to be 50% business matter expert and 50% subject matter expert. We can play with the ratios a bit, but most would agree successful small business owners are constantly required to change their role in their business, as the needs of their personal life, business requirements, and the external world demand it.
Eight minutes is the longest block that we can internalize, according to the latest research from our social scientists. Working from 8 minutes or less, how do we create a successful internal process that works for you? The good news is technology can actually help here. As a 32 year technology veteran, I've seen technology effect daily work behaviors in ways I could never imagine.
However at the end of the day the same business problems exist today that have always existed. What has changed is your technology and the market. Most businesses are based on doing things for a simple reason. They have always been done that way, or no one told me to change.
It's time to change all that. We prefer to define a set of self-selected values, and then run best practices against every daily decision. Let us consider the principal ways we can consider change.Why not start with the basic three: 1.) change, 2.) no change, or 3.) flow through the decision. The idea of flow is important, so I will it further. Flow means go through you usual processes, except this time be aware of the process and your own thoughts and prejudices, biases and opinions.This needs to be done continuously. Objectively. As objectively as possible! With the detachment of a Zen master.
From this continuous form of assessment, and hopefully ongoing level enhancement at your business and in your private life. If we work at constant improvement, we can use the clock as a productivity tool. We are conWe learn our first list. What we will do today list. That's right a written list that you can check off. That's a place technology can help me.
