Remove Distractions

"I just need to eliminate any distractions."
Lance Armstrong (June 2004)

It was a simple and straight forward comment from Lance Armstrong, given with the underlying strength, discipline and commitment you would expect. The national and world champion cyclist, two-time Olympian, renowned humanitarian, role model, cancer survivor, and (at the time) five-time winner of the Tour De France, was responding to a question on what he needed to do to win his sixth Tour de France. (As we know he went on to win number six.)

I just need to eliminate any distractions.

I have always felt the best advice came in like this; just a few simple words. For Leaders/Managers there is always the challenge to simplify and focus.

Am I complicating things for the people I manage?
Have I provided simple, clear and precise objectives, strategies and roles?
Have I asked them to do things that are of little or no consequence?

Perhaps there should be a 4th question:

How can I remove distractions?

This 4th question is critical because by nature we are often easily distracted from what is important. We drift towards those things we like to do rather than those things that need to be done!

What are the distractions?

Just asking the question, what are the distractions, is bound to provide a revealing list as long as your arm. If, as a manager, you can remove just the top three, you will be providing a clearer focus on what is important.

Have a great week!
Mark Bragg