If you want to make progress and hit goals in life or business, you’ve got to work hard. This post is about being more focussed than just doing more of the same and expecting better results and it is geared towards making more of ourselves and operating more effectively within the rapidly changing world we live in today. Under each of the headings – points I see as important on any journey where you are looking to improve – I’ve listed a few points of relevance that should be helpful to consider. 

Make more money – 

• Get performance related pay and then perform
• Improve your skills
• Stop adding and start multiplying
• Change company for a big rise

Manage people – 

• Know what you need to achieve yourself
• Set expectations from the start
• Listen hard and proactively – get all of the facts
• Acknowledge people’s feelings – they play a big part in daily work
• Get solutions from those with problems
• Stay calm and keep a sense of humour

Communicate effectively – 

• Tell it like it is
• Listen before you think before you speak
• Keep your message consistent
• If it really matters, do it face to face.
• Encourage feedback and act on it

Be relaxed about stress –

• Stick to your own agenda
• Don’t do it if it’s not necessary
• Simplify everything you do
• Be happy to say no thank you

Lead from the front –

• Work harder than anyone else
• Set the example
• Keep your problems to yourself
• Tell the team what you expect from them
• Listen to the team and respect their skills
• Explain clearly what you expect and ensure it happens

Be more efficient – 

• Start work earlier
• Work in small chucks
• Put time for you to think in your diary
• Write the agenda and stick to it
• Plan today and act tomorrow

Motivate your team – 

• Incentivise everyone
• Be tough when necessary
• Train people properly
• Listen to the team and get to know them
• Give them space and let them get on with it

Impress your boss – 

• Help them meet their key objectives
• Give them solutions not problems
• Listen to them and ask for the benefit of their experience
• Get promoted above them

Stay a decent person –

• Listen
• Be generous with your time and talents
• Don’t hurt other people
• Say thank you
• Give as much as you take 
• Keep your conscience clear