It's Not Rocket Science: 4 Simple Strategies for Mastering the Art of Execution

Chapter 10Don't Mistake Motion for Progress!

The Challenge

If you have ever been at a martial arts studio and watched a beginning or intermediate student warm up, you probably saw lots of quick and flashy movements as he or she went through the paces of his or her forms and fighting techniques. In fact, the practitioner was likely to have kicked and blocked at a pace that would cause a spectator to assume that this particular karate kid really knew what he or she was doing. However, an advanced martial artist watching the same warm-up is likely to shake his or her head in dismissive disgust. Why? The truly competent understand one of the first tenets of the martial arts: Speed is a disguise for technique. In other words, people who are not proficient at what they do, or who aren't sure of what they are doing, will often move faster than they should to disguise the sloppiness inherent in their skill set. Sadly, throngs of people in organizations—from front line associate to chief executive officer (CEO)—make the same mistake. The good news is that by applying the five principles of master the art of execution (MAX), you won't fall into this trap.

Sample Common Danger Signs

Despite the best efforts you and others put forth, you will get off track with MAX from time to time. We are all human; it happens. The key to growth is getting off course less often and when you do, to recognize it faster and make a quicker adjustment. Following are some common examples to recognize that ...