Equally, if we’re honest with ourselves, we maybe could have done a better job which would have given a better outcome.
In my experience tasks or projects are urgent for two reasons; something unexpected has gone wrong that needs a solution or we’ve procrastinated over a non urgent task for so long.
Parkinson’s Law has been proved, in that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
These are a couple of really simple steps to help relieve stress and improve your probability of getting the result you want. Before taking action no matter how urgent:
• Stop
• Make a plan
• Involve others
These steps may seem really obvious but if you think about how stressful a task was to complete, the chances are you missed one of these steps.
When we’re under pressure to deliver our natural response is to act! It may be counter intuitive but to just stop, take stock and make a quick plan will give you a much better outcome.
I’m told that many ex SAS soldiers have said the piece of training that most often saved their lives in dangerous situations was to “stop” make a quick plan then act.
Involving others is again perceived as a challenge when under pressure, and sometimes stopping to seek advice is seen as a luxury we can’t afford. However, by taking the time to engage others we may benefit from alternative knowledge and expertise and some much needed moral support.
So next time you have to do something important and urgent, stop! Have a think about how to achieve it and who else you can talk to. Remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get.
Peter Welch is intermediary director for MyTouchstone
