As a manager and a coach, these are words to live by… Read it, Understand it, Do it. As an employee you should take these words to heart and live by them if you want a rewarding career. Over the years we’ve made the statement… If you’re not getting better everyday, then you’re getting worse. In order to get better everyday then follow these words…
Read It: When we give out training documents we’re not so naive to think that everyone reads them. In fact, we know most employees don’t or at best they quickly scan the document. Statistics show that most people need to read or hear something at least 16 times before the begin to really get it. Why is this? Part of the problem is we are not really reading or actively listening to what is said. The next time you receive a training document, information on a new product or attend a coaching session or meeting, make it your priority to take it seriously. What ever “it” is, make sure you slow down and take the time to really read, hear or see it.
Understand It: Once you read it, hear it or see it you need to make sure you understand it. Don’t just go through the motions. Ask questions, get feedback and review it further. Don’t be that person who says… “I didn’t think that’s what you meant”, “I didn’t know this applied to me”, “I have my own way of doing things”, or one of our favorites… “it’s different here” so it doesn’t apply.
Do It: In other words, “How will I use it”? It’s not enough to take in the information and then to understand it. You must put it into action. You must answer the question, “How will I use this today”? And then do it! It’s that simple. This is what separates the Producers from the Excusers.
The Excusers don’t get it. They like to use the football coach, Jim Mora’s, quote describing a losing team… “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda”. The Producers get it. They tend to like the Nike quote of winners… “Just Do It”. The Producers See it, Understand it and then Do it.
