by Rick Baker
On May 31, 2012
Reduce the number of mistakes you make.
If you write out simple procedures and follow them when you do repetitive, boring-but-important tasks then you will make fewer errors. When you make fewer errors you will spend less time fixing errors. When you spend less time fixing errors you will have more time to spend thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment. When you spend more time thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment, you will make better decisions.
This process will grow, over time, into the good habit - better judgment.
Does that come across as a rather weak or trite piece of advice...as in, "that goes without saying"?
If so then perhaps a little self-test will convince you of the value in the advice.
For a few days:
- Track how much time you spend fixing errors, either your own or someone else's, either technical/process or interpersonal/process and
- Track how much time you spend thinking strategically, weighing various options in your mind, comparing pros and cons then selecting the best course of action
Then you will understand the hidden value in simple technical and interpersonal procedures performed well: judgment is enhanced by procedures.
Footnote
Link to Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things