The older I get, the more strongly I believe that success is all about well used time. Those individuals who are clear about what they want to achieve and focus their energy to do so eventually succeed. Not to say that success is easy or quick, as it can take a decade or longer, but I believe time and focus are the golden keys. Bill Gates has been quoted as saying “My success, part of it certainly, is that I have focused in on a few things.”

Another wise person, who remains anonymous once said: “If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.”

To do something well requires the luxury of time; whether that means the time to train and gain experience or the time to mull over the options and decide what is truly important. As Peter Drucker said “Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed.”

For most of us, a typical workday does not include the luxury of unused time. On the other hand, the ability to focus buys us time. This is where employee engagement comes in.

Employees and organizations are both the beneficiaries of an engaged workforce. When individuals are in a job that they enjoy, they involuntarily dedicate off time towards work tasks.

Consider these examples:

You are an architect:
-When you are in a new building – you notice the design
-When you travel, you talk about building design with people you meet
-When you read, you gravitate towards materials that discuss building design

You build and ride skateboards, therefore:
-You frequent skateboard parks
-You talk to skateboarders
-You know from experience what riders want

You work in health food industry, as a result:
-When you are in restaurants and grocery stores, you try new healthy offerings
-When you watch television, you are drawn shows that discuss healthy food

Recruitment and hiring processes help us match employees to the correct job. Performance management also helps us accomplish this. An employee may have potential and ability, but be in the wrong position. Regular performance management conversations and feedback will help identify any abilities, interests or passions an employee may have. A manager who knows what motivates and drives employees is able to place them in the positions which inspire and engage them most.

References:

afterQuotes. “Focus Quotations” [http://www.afterquotes.com]. Obtained October 14, 2008.

BrainyQuote. “Peter Drucker Quotes” [www.brainyquote.com]. Obtained October 14, 2008.

Khurana, Simran. “Inspirational Quotes: Focus Quotes.” About.com: Quotations [http://quotations.about.com], obtained October 14, 2008.

McDaniel Partners. “Animation: Are You Effectively Managing Your Most Important Asset?” [http://mcdanielpartners.com]. Obtained October 14, 2008.