Over the past year I’ve made the case in several blogs that organizations lack focus because they try to do too much. And that the solution is to do less. (And to take more time doing it!) For those of you who think that’s just some bizarre consulting theory, let me try another angle.
Inc. magazine recently brought together 11 people – the founders of very successful businesses along with top thinkers / advisors from leading business schools. They asked a simple question: What is the single most important thing you’ve learned?
Well, guess what? Evan Williams, the co-founder of Twitter and Blogger, said, ‘Do fewer things. The vast majority of things are distractions, and very few really matter to your success.’
Roger Martin, dean of the Rotman School of Management, who has worked with some of the largest companies in the world, said, ‘Choose your playing field. A lot of companies don’t consciously choose where not to play.’ (emphasis mine)
Take a good, hard, honest look at all the things you have your organization doing.
Then do less.
Your thoughts?
Michael
