Decide What's Important - An Introduction

The research conducted by Six Disciplines Corp. suggests that one of the biggest differences between the highest-performing and lowest-performing small businesses is the "strength of leadership."

This characteristic has two aspects:

1. The ability of the leadership to define a clear direction for the organization. This includes explaining that direction so people can both understand it - AND - connect with it.
2. Identifying and delivering personal involvement. Leaders must be personally involved in leading and supporting projects that are strategic to the company.

The purpose of Discipline I - Decide What's Important, is to get the leadership team to decide annually what its long-term priorities are - and are not.

This involves reviewing, renewing, revising and recommitting to the organization's:

• Mission
• Values
• Vision
• Strategic Position

...and identifying clearly what the absolute "short list" (or Vital Few Objectives) of critical priorities of the business are.

BOTTOMLINE: Regularly practicing the discipline of Deciding What's Important helps businesses sharpen their focus.