1. Not
understanding the problem. Not
defining it well enough. Trying to solve
a different problem. Woolly thinking. Complex problems frequently need to be
defined, refined and revisited several times before the right problem gets
worked on.
2. Interruptions/disturbances. External and internal. Whilst there is no shortage of external
interruptions, and steps can be taken to minimise these, we are also quite
capable of interrupting ourselves. Checking email, making tea, stopping for a
chat are all valid to some degree, but on occasions can be serious disturbances
to our work.
3. Perfectionism. Believing you can’t do it well enough, which
stops us even trying.
4. Vicarious
conduct. Doing other things during
work time. You know what they are.
5. Lack of energy. Many people work better at one time of the
day or another. I’m definitely a morning
person, but I know night owls who seem to work best in the wee small
hours. Knowing what works best for you
can, and setting up your day to take advantage, can help.
6. Taking on
impossible jobs. Tasks may be
impossible for a number of reasons. You
may not have the ability to do them, other people may be determined to stop you, or you may not have planned the
work carefully enough.
I bet this list still isn’t exhaustive, but the longer it
gets, the more useful it gets. So a huge
thank you to those who have contributed to the debate. And just in case you are feeling that nothing
will ever get done ever again, later in the week I’m writing about what
encourages us to get things done. If I
get round to it, of course!
Posts
My absolute favourite, "not understanding the problem".
ReplyDeleteIf I say "what is the problem we are trying to fix" one more time my boss is going to sack me.
My wife doesn't take to it too well either
I shall point them at your blog
Thanks for the post
James
I do think there are inbuilt cultural issues at play here. When I think about something I would like to do, I generally set about thinking how to do it. My wife, on the other hand, suggests that we put it off until - when? Well any time but now, even if she professes to think it is an interesting idea. This is after over 40 years of marriage; proof that marriage does not result in people becoming homogenised (quite proud of that, actually). I think she has an inbuilt caution, caused by her lack of self esteem as a child which, even as an assertive modern woman, she can't get over. So I don't think it always can be rationalised in the way you have sought to do. Which is not to say that I think that your ideas are not valuable, because they are. Just that they aren't comprehensive. But did you expect them to be?
ReplyDeleteWell I guess the answer is in the title - these things are never comprehensive - just ideas. As for being rational, we are human beings not machines so being rational is not one of our strong suits. All that said, it has been useful for me to think about why I get certain things done, and why others stay on my guilt list for too long. But one thing I can be sure of, urgency is a huge motivator. I might have replied to your comment tomorrow, only I'm going on holiday so am racing through my To Do List today. This is perhaps my favourite reason for Getting Things Done!
ReplyDelete