{"id":529,"date":"2017-11-13T13:05:20","date_gmt":"2017-11-13T21:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dickinsonent.com\/cortex\/?p=529"},"modified":"2017-11-13T15:47:17","modified_gmt":"2017-11-13T23:47:17","slug":"making-lists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dickinsonent.com\/cortex\/making-lists\/","title":{"rendered":"Lists \u2014 Are You Making Them? Experts Say They Are Crucial to Success!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ah, the dreaded lists!<\/h4>\n

Most of us make lists \u2014 shopping, chores, and important dates to remember are just a few. So why do many not make lists for their business?\u00a0And even worse, why are some touting that task-lists are not good?<\/p>\n

\"ListIt is well established that making lists can assist you in reaching your goals.<\/h4>\n

The list methodology has driven many to achieve success in business.\u00a0 Kevin Kruse, author of\u00a015 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management asks, \u201cDo you really think Richard Branson and Bill Gates write long to-do lists and prioritize items as A1, A2, B1, B2, and so on?\u201d.<\/p>\n

So with all things being equal,\u00a0 Simon Sinek says, “If we think of everything we have to do, we feel overwhelmed. If we do the one thing we need to do, we make progress.”. While Simon is not specifically talking about list making, I believe this speaks to the positive side of making a list.<\/p>\n

Regarding lists, I believe that\u00a0Kevin Kruse’s Richard Branson and Bill Gates example is not true, not to mention lacks insight.<\/h4>\n

Of course, these two powerhouse leaders do not make a list themselves \u2014 at least as we see lists.<\/p>\n

\"Big<\/p>\n

That said, I can guarantee you that their staff does. Further, “big picture thinking” and running worldwide companies, is drastically different\u00a0than the daily lives most of us lead.<\/p>\n

I ask, “Have you ever had a successful day without a list?”. I have, but it is only on the bigger tasks of running a business. Doing things like reconciling finances and other business necessities. And all my lists range from big-picture to the micro-list within a task.<\/p>\n

Not all lists are created equal!<\/h4>\n

My most successful days are all done via task lists that are in a time-blocking format with ‘to-be-completed’ items or contain a host of details that need to be included in a project.<\/p>\n

I happen to use “the\u00a0listing methodology” for everything in my life. In fact, I even use my calendar to create reminders for me throughout the day. At the end of the day, however, that is simply another kind of list.<\/p>\n

Regarding Simon’s point of being overwhelmed, for many, lists are just the fix to keep you and your business on track.<\/h4>\n

It is true that being overwhelmed is a road to non-productivity \u2014 however \u2014 a simple task list will help you organize with the same efficiency\u00a0of your simple shopping list, checking off items as you do them.<\/p>\n

\"listsSo, lists are bad?<\/h4>\n

In my opinion, “No.” \u2014 In fact, experts on business efficiency say that operational efficiency\u00a0is about making the best possible use of all resources.<\/p>\n

\n

“Operational efficiency\u00a0is the capability of an enterprise to deliver products or services to its customers in the most cost-effective manner possible while still ensuring the high quality of its products, service, and support.” ~ Webopedia<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For most of us, I propose that list-making is crucial to completing your job with efficiency.\u00a0 As, with every position, there is a constant influx of new things to do and older things to remember.<\/p>\n

\"ProsThe Pros and Cons of lists<\/strong><\/h4>\n