The Rules Of Management: A Definitive Code for Managerial Success, Expanded Edition

Chapter 45. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

I know, I know, it takes you all your time just to get the job done, the paperwork handled and the plants watered without having to think about the future or be a brilliant innovator. But the smart manager—that’s you again—puts aside 30 minutes a week for forward planning. Try asking yourself simple questions: “How can I generate more sales?” “What can I do more expediently?” “How could I cut staff turnover?” “How can I convert more leads to sales?” “How could I streamline the accounting procedure?” “How could I move into another sector?” “How could I get my team to work harder, faster, brighter?” “How could I get them to brainstorm more freely?” “How could I hold meetings that wouldn’t waste so much time?” ...