a secret ingredient

When we are looking at getting something done there is a step we always forget to detail. Frankly it is because it is not all that exciting when you look at it on the surface. But when you compare what you get when you include this special ingredient as to when you do not – then you can see the magic.

So what is the secret ingredient?

Follow Up.

As a concept “follow up” gets some discussion. But the key is the system we put in place to make sure it happens. This is the secret to excellence in execution – and it is not complicated in its idea but it is crucial in its importance and challenging in its discipline.

So here is a quick mental test
1. Rate yourself on follow up from 1 to 10 (1 is worse and 10 is best – and no one is a 10)
2. Think of 1 thing you can do next week to try to improve you follow up

So here is the crux of the idea – where do you put the result of step 2? Where do you put these ideas so you can check to see have you (or your team) completed a goal by the time you were targeting.

It is simple in its concept but very challenging in its implementation. Do you have a system? If so what are the types of items that fall through the cracks? If you do not have a system talk to anyone who you trust and see what they do – this little idea of “follow up” is the key to success.

Each step of improvement in follow up unleashes amazingly powerful forces on your teams. Accountability, productivity and innovation are all built on the foundation of following up and doing what we say we are going to do.

I have been working on how to improve my system for years – and on some days it even works well. But there are days when I struggle with it like everyone else.

But the key is to remember that focusing on improving on this one little idea, adding this one little ingredient to the mix can literally change EVERYTHING – and that is if anything an understatement.

This is not a revolutionary idea – but all of us often do not stop and think about the huge power that lies in this little idea of “follow up”.

It may not be the idea that changes the world for you but without follow up all that idea will ever be is just a thought.

Follow up is what makes thought, ideas and dreams into something real.

We would all take that in a heartbeat.