A mistake I’ve made – and see too many high-potential young leaders making – is trying to improve their skills on too many fronts simultaneously.
Focus matters. Intensity produces lasting results.
Be like the professional golfers who occasionally play full games but devote most of their practice time on small elements – hitting out of sandtraps, putting, short approach shots, shaping a shot from left to right, etc.
What does that look for someone in a business situation?
Rather than “working on my communication skills,” try focusing on writing better email subject lines for two weeks. Sharpening your presentation intro sentences for the next 4 presentations. Including a “call to action” in conversations so people know precisely what you’re asking for, by when.
Rather than “be better at data analytics,” hone your use of pivot tables in Excel for two weeks. Practice looking distributions of data rather than settling for an average. Ask two people for the raw data behind their chart and explore it with Power BI.
Instead of “thinking strategically,” practice asking yourself, “What’s the reasoning behind my boss’ request?” Take 30 minutes and make notes about how competitors might respond to your company’s new product line. During the next two meetings with senior leaders, take notes about what is NOT being said.
You acquire mastery of a craft by practicing component skills for short intervals.
