We frequently encounter the term preparation and assume we understand and apply it well. However, in our fast-paced world of instant gratification, we often fall short of reaching our full potential through preparation. Let's delve deeper into the concept of preparation and uncover its true significance. Beyond its cognitive benefits, the emotional impact of preparation may be more profound than we have previously realized!
Proper preparation prevents poor performance; we say this often at Catalyst Leadership Dynamics, and for good reason. Yet, frequently, we are not prepared.
This results in excuses, justifications, rationalizations for being unprepared, feelings of embarrassment, or even avoidance. Therefore, there are certainly consequences to being prepared or lack thereof.
Practicing vital preparation elevates effectiveness, reduces stress, enables better decision-making, and promotes growth. Preparation establishes the foundation for the expected and unexpected challenges we face regularly.
Are you prepared for what’s next? It would be better if you were, or must you chase that next shiny object staring at you in the face now?
Preparation is the magic, the secret, the ingredient left out of the recipe on purpose. It demands dedication and effort, often at times when others are unwilling to put in the work. Preparation involves the late nights and early mornings that pave the way to success.
"Preparation is the magic, the secret, the ingredient left out of the recipe on purpose. It demands dedication and effort, often at times when others are unwilling to put in the work."
- Jeff Rogers, CPMBC
Many aspire to achieve greatness but skip this crucial step, only to find themselves missing out on opportunities, being overlooked for promotions, failing to secure new clients, or leaving a poor first impression. There are no shortcuts!
Preparation offers success personally, professionally, and organizationally. It builds internal and external confidence and enhances better, more optimal outcomes. I don’t know much about basketball, but Michael Jordan was arguably the best player ever. He was the first on the court for practice and the last to leave.
After team practice, he worked with his coach to hone his personal playing ability.
He was committed and held himself accountable for optimal results, elevating his confidence. In fact, he missed more shots than he made and was still the go-to guy at the end of the game.
He was one of the most prolific scorers in the games history because he was prepared! Michael did the work when no one was looking—he earned it! He was prepared and ready when the opportunity came to win the game. Are you?
If you are like most individuals, your response might be, "Well, that depends on what we are talking about." This is a common sentiment, and it's completely understandable.
The concept of preparation can indeed vary greatly depending on the context or situation at hand.
This is where the notion of priority becomes crucial. It's essential to identify and focus on the elements within our control, those aspects we can directly influence and manage.
By honing in on these controllable factors, we can strategically allocate our time and resources to maximize our effectiveness.
The Foundation of Leadership Success: Why Preparation Is Your Superpower
Performance Enhancements are achieved when we are better prepared. Improved understanding of requirements and tasks naturally leads to improved performance at all levels. Otherwise, reliance is on guesswork, which is not good data.
Increased Confidence is a result of being better prepared. There's real magic right here. Confidence is everything at the end of the day. If you believe you can, you will, or not; if you do not think so. Being prepared, digging in, and understanding all the variables allows one to pivot effectively. This is the foundation of confidence, so make no mistake. Going into a situation blind, ill-prepared, half-baked, and winging it never produces an optimal result. You might get by, but what would have developed if you were better prepared?
Being Less Stressed is part of being prepared as well. We all know when we are mailing it in. Often, this can stress us out. I propose that being more thoroughly prepared can significantly reduce stress. Prioritization is undoubtedly an ally in this regard. Therefore, as leaders, we must be more discerning about what we agree to. By preparing adequately for the commitments we make, we can experience less stress.
Resilience is our ability to bounce back. With the rate of change at such a fast pace, our ability to adapt to change is critical as a leader. Considering various outcomes and scenarios for current situations and challenges allows you to change course and adapt readily as new information becomes available.
Personal and Professional Growth results when we are best prepared as leaders. Being prepared represents reliability, competence, and dependability. Being prepared allows for career advancement and promotion.
Achieving Goals is remarkably improved when we are prepared. Establishing milestones and ninety-day sprints for success allows prepared leaders more significant opportunities for success.
Better Decision-Making skills are enhanced with preparedness. We prepare leaders to make better-informed decisions by gathering, analyzing, and processing good data and information. More information and analysis is better!
Risk Mitigation is elevated by having more good information and being prepared. Being five to seven steps in front of the team is mitigating risk. Anticipation is how prepared leaders lead their organizations and mitigate risk. Building contingency plans to handle the unexpected separates the okay from the great. Most are dealing with the weeds and reacting to them.
There we have it. Being prepared matters much more than we may first think. A culture and environment of preparedness will go a long way for you and your leadership ability.
Get on it!
I bet you can,
Jeff
