SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best

Chapter 21. Accept the Credit When It's Due— and the Blame, Too

SUPERCOMPETENT Hero Thinking:	I take personal responsibility for handling my time and productivity; I never lay the blame on anyone else.
SIMPLY COMPETENT Zero Thinking:	It's not my fault—I'm being pulled in too many directions at once!

I've been speaking about personal productivity for 18 years, long before it was even a topic. Before I get in front of any audience to give a presentation, I ask my client to send out a simple ten-point e-mail survey to a random sample of participants. The responses help me tailor my comments to the group and make sure I'm addressing the correct issues. One of the questions is, "What is the number one thing you would have to change about yourself if you were to be more productive?" And what kills me is that everyone knows the answer. So do you. But you don't do it, and neither do they. Why?

I've heard every excuse in the book. I watch people point fingers. I marvel at corporate policies that sabotage their employees. And just when I think to myself, "Now I have seen it all," I'll see something even more unbelievable a few weeks later. I've tried to be politically correct and smile and say something polite to poor or nonperformers, when all I want to say to some people is: "GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND WORK!"

There. I said it. This is why I turn down most personal coaching requests: Most people can't handle the truth. "Get off your butt" is certainly not a nice thing to say, so it doesn't fit me. ...