Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Actually, I think the term went something along the lines of ‘prior preparation prevents piss poor performance…’ something I was told by a mentor of mine, many years ago – and it stuck!

Display your key priorities on your whiteboard, above your TV, in your office, or as a weekly calendar reminder pop up. Regardless of the industry you work in, your passion, goal or focus; preparation is vital to your success. You can apply preparation to the simplest of tasks, or to the most complex - but if you don't apply the ground work within the early stages, the performance will be sure to end in some sort of disappointment.

Key areas of preparation.

Research – research your client and the background of the company. What are they about? Who are their team members? Who is the key decision maker? What solution can you provide them?

Time – time management is one of the most contributing factors. Give yourself enough time to prepare for that all important meeting, pitch, discovery call, hotel conference room site inspection, open home. Take the time to research your client, get to the meeting well before you need to, and allow yourself time afterwards to reflect, note and diarise key factors. Maybe even that all important ‘in summary’ follow up email.

Organisation – if you’re organised it reduces fear and anxiety. You feel calmer, relaxed and focused on the tasks ahead of you. With the research done and the time on your side you’re already miles ahead.

As Benjamin Franklin would say, “ by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”