We can all agree that business today is traveling "faster than the
speed of thought." Yet, have we taken the time to acknowledge the
skills and approach needed to compete in today's fast-paced economy?
Whether you're trying to promote an idea, solve a problem, or push
a project forward, the tempo at which you operate will surely influence
your ultimate success. We no longer have the luxury of extended periods
of time to capture a market or command someone's attention because in
today's economy everything seems to move at high speed. Time is the
very commodity that is at risk today. We have more communication, more
problems to solve and more opportunities than ever before. What are the
new rules? How fast do we need to act? What failsafe methodology can we
embrace to ensure that we are in the driver's seat, at least most of
the time?
The "48-hour rule" is one key to success. The 48-hour rule,
simply stated, stipulates that to more effectively seize a new
opportunity you should follow up or perform an action within 48 hours
after interest has been established. Why? Because after 48 hours
momentum is lost. Mind share is gone. New problems have arisen.
The 48-hour rule is easy to understand but difficult to implement. Most
people use a similar clock speed for every situation. How many times
have you left a meeting with a list of action items firmly planted in
the forefront of your mind only to return to your computer to find
thirty new e-mails requiring your immediate attention? The fresh ideas
and actions from your meeting go into the vortex of "to do's" crowding
your digital organizer only to be acted upon at a much later time. Your
advantage is lost!
How can you make the 48-hour rule work for you? Follow these
six simple steps and you will begin to adjust your clock speed. In
doing so you will differentiate yourself from the pack and reap
significant rewards.
Steps to implement the 48-hour rule:
The first step is to acknowledge or agree with the concept. If
you've never considered the issue of timing as it relates to capturing
a competitive advantage, then now is the time to accept that Internet
speed is driving our world. We need new rules to help guide us through
cyberspace. As Bill Gates said in his book Business @ The Speed of
Thought, "If the 1980's were about quality and the1990's were about
reengineering, then the 2000's will be about velocity."
The second step is to analyze your current sense of urgency.
How do you react to opportunities that arise with clients, colleagues
or your boss? What is the typical lag time between an identified idea
and action on your part? Have you noticed a difference between the
times when you've acted right away versus the times when you've waited
to respond?
Test the 48-hour rule. Pick a few important projects and take
immediate action after meetings or after new ideas are introduced.
Learn to prioritize those projects that are aligned to your goals. How
does it feel? How do others respond? Do the results differ from times
when you've waited three or four days (or more!) to act? Ask a couple
of co-workers or your manager for feedback. Have they noticed a
difference?
Commit to the 48-hour rule. It may be a subtle change from your
current approach but as everyone knows, the difference between winners
and losers can be as small as a nanosecond.
Share the concept with your employees, teammates and others with whom
you work. Let them see you set the pace and how much is accomplished as
a result. Create an environment of momentum, progress and speed.
Reap the rewards. Embracing the 48-hour rule will differentiate
you with clients, colleagues and your boss. You will earn the
reputation of a doer and someone who knows how to get to the end zone.
In a world of lots of ideas but little ability to execute properly or
expeditiously, you'll stand out.
It may take some effort to synchronize your approach over the
long term. Start slowly and try one new concept at a time. As you gain
efficiencies you will also gain time that will give you the momentum to
continue.
-Lisa D. Magnuson
Author, "The 48-Hour Rule and other strategies for career survival".
www.the48hourrule.com