Overcommitted. Part 1.
I want to debunk a few misconceptions.
Missing deadlines are not a problem. Overbudget is not a problem. Turnover is not a problem. Rework is not a problem.
In fact, all of these things are symptoms. The real problem is priority dysfunction.
Busyness is an epidemic and priority dysfunction is at the root of it. I haven’t met a single CIO who said, “I have all the resources I need to succeed.” Not one.
That’s WHY I’m kicking off a 3-part series, Overcommitted. I want to help you confront the priority dysfunction that prevents you and your team from doing your best work.
This week is all about framing, word choice, and how we talk about the problem itself.
Greg McKeown brilliantly points out, “The word priority came into the English language in the 1400’s. It was singular. It meant the very first or prior thing. It stayed singular for the next 500 years. Only in the 1900s did we pluralize the term and start talking about priorities. Illogically, we reasoned that by changing the word we could bend reality.”
Powerful. I’d like you to pause. Read his quote again.
Word choice is important. If we want to fix busyness, it starts with calling it what it is—priority dysfunction.
Here’s what I mean: if your team isn’t having productive conflict about competing requests and what’s possible, there’s dysfunction.
As a CIO, you add incredible value to the business when you’re able to help your stakeholders make investment decisions that yield the highest value. In other words, to identify the top priority.
You don’t identify the top priority in a vacuum. Your team needs conflict within their 4 walls to help you understand what’s possible. Then, you must work with your peers and boss to have messy & complicated conversations.
When you avoid conflict, you hurt yourself and your team. 1 of the 6 ways to radically shape your career potential is conflict. When you’re good at pushing back and managing up, you build credibility with your colleagues. You’re seen as a straight-shooter who always has the business’ best interest at heart.
Conflict also happens to be 1 of the 5 behaviors that accelerate team productivity. This happens because teams only pursue the highest-value efforts once they’ve had conflict. Until they weigh-in, they don’t buy-in. When they don’t buy-in, they do half-assed work.
Again, word choice is important. This week, I invite you to modify 3 phrases you likely use:
Instead of saying I don’t have enough resources, say I have a priority dysfunction.
Instead of asking what’s important, ask what’s most important right now.
Instead of talking about goals, talk about wildly important goals.
Use those 3 phrases as filters and watch how it changes your perspective about your team’s top priority.
In fact, I’ll end this with another word choice suggestion. Instead of saying I don’t have the time, say this is not a priority for me right now.
Stop talking around the problem, and you’ll be primed to solve the problem.
Make it a great day!
Chris
