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You’re Not a High-Rise Window Washer

It’s safe to take several steps back from the glass every once in a while, and see the whole picture. It’s the only way you can see where you fit in. You can then focus on how to get there. I’m a great believer in visualization. I believe seeing what might happen in advance is possible if you concentrate when thinking things through. Knowledge is power, so it is indispensable that you know what you are talking about before opening your mouth. As Mom used to say, “You can keep your mouth shut and let people think you are stupid, or you can open your mouth and remove all doubt.” I’m pretty sure she loved me. Her message must have been hidden in the saying. The message was “be prepared”. Know the facts before beginning a discussion.

If time is money on the job, not having the facts in advance can create a dollar hemorrhage of biblical proportions, speaking metaphorically, of course. Considering the facts can be a challenge. Example: Where is my best opportunity?; Who is my target?; Who do I skip?; What do they need that I have?; How do I deliver what they need?; Do I really know what I’m talking about?; How do I approach the subject?; Why do I skip or target a subject?…. the list can go on and on.

To obtain the answers to meaningful questions that will save time and money, you must first have a view of the big picture. You can’t get that view if you are mired in minutia. You just waste a lot of valuable time by getting ahead of yourself. It’s like going to the hardware store to fill a doctor’s prescription. You are interested in feeling better, being well. Buying a box of nails isn’t going to help you feel better. From the overview or big picture you can see everything. You can zoom in to only those targets that can help you meet or exceed your goals. Start by taking a few steps back from the glass. Remember, if you fail to prepare, you are prepared to fail.