How Organized Are Your Efforts?

When most people think of organized efforts, they think clean desks and clear minds combined with adequate amounts of knowledge. Once in place, the person creates a plan and proceeds with sequential steps until they arrive at the final objective. While there is merit to this approach, there is no guarantee of success. More importantly, pursuing the goal alone may require more effort than is necessary. 

A clean desk only means there is no clutter on the desk. A clear mind does not promise successful action, even though it may be in a great state to receive valuable information. Furthermore, the idea of knowledge being

power is a myth. Knowledge alone never accomplishes anything. There are many people in the world who are like walking encyclopedias. However, they have no idea how to make practical use of that knowledge. Too often knowledge is as valuable as a trophy on the shelf.

When I refer to organized effort, I say it in the same context as Napoleon Hill. He speaks explicitly about the ability to combine your effort with others who have complementary knowledge for the purpose of a specific accomplishment. In fact, he says that the person who is committed to achievement on a large scale will always have to organize themselves with others.

Organized effort is analogous to the human body. The heart, lungs, blood, mind, nose, and mouth are all examples of organized effort. Each plays a role that is vital to the existence of a healthy vibrant body. Remove one and the power of the body is significantly affected.

The same is true in a business or non-profit. When people come together in the spirit of harmony and utilize their knowledge for a specific outcome, there is power in the group. The whole is greater than the parts. And like the human body, when one of the members of a group works against the whole, the group is weakened. Therefore, it is critical that the group be aligned on a clear intention.

To fulfill that intention requires you to know what you bring to the table. It also requires acknowledgement of the contribution others make to the group. It is better when the knowledge or effort of each member is not redundant. Each person should bring a skill that is not duplicated in other members.

In addition, there needs to be someone who keeps the group together. That person serves as the conductor of an orchestra. In an orchestra, even though the musicians are good at their craft, it is essential to have someone ensure the efforts remain organized and focused on a specific goal.

While one person leads the group, it allows others to have a clear focus on their contribution. The leader, on the other hand, is always looking at the entire picture to ensure all parts are fitting together appropriately. This in turn, allows other members to remain clearly focused on what they do best.

Every sports team personifies organized effort. In many cases, the team with the most organized effort wins the game. It takes a plan, practice and someone to hold everyone together.

On your next project, get clear about the role you will play as well as the role of others and organized effort will help you climb to new heights of achievement.

What do you think? I’m open to ideas. Or if you want to write me about a specific topic, let me know.