Job Lists

DB, my super senior boss, once gave me probably the best work-related advice I have received so far. Come to think of it, it was one of those “right under your nose” situations.

First off, make weekly job lists. Every Sunday until that Friday. Obvious, right? Wrong.

Make two separate job lists. One that is decided by others and another that is decided by you.

“Why the hell should I make a job list for jobs that are decided by others?” you may ask. “I am going to get them anyway.” Well, the advantage is that you are ready, homework done, and already raring to go. Secondly, it puts you ahead of the curve, and that, my friend, is the only way to go.

And here’s the real kicker. If you do not make that first list, you never — and I mean never — get to the second one. The list that you control. The list that shapes the work you actually care about.

Let me put it this way. How would you like your bonus to be decided? By others, or by you?