Focus on Outcomes, not Activities

Activities are how you achieve your outcomes. Outcomes are what you need to achieve to be successful.

We live in a meritocracy which the dictionary defines as a system, organization, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and merit (outcomes).

Merit is conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem.

All our reward systems at work are based on delivering outcomes through merit. Merit increases, bonus, promotions.

Take a well balanced approach to developing your skills to be able improve your abilities.

Job Knowledge; Complexity / scope; Autonomy

Most people focus on developing Job Knowledge in the Operating Skills area. Certifications, etc. So is everyone else, so competition to distinguish in this area is steep. Hence, taking a more well balanced approach to skills development to improve your overall abilities.

Use thinking frameworks to deliver outcomes that matter.

Purpose - Serves a human being or group of human beings; offers unique value; is aligned with overall company strategy and goals; is measurable.

Objective - The "what" of Big idea. It is what will enable you to create unique value and sustainably deliver that value to the customers in a distinct way.

Capabilities - The set and configuration of capabilities (supporting activities) required to meet your purpose as defined by your objective.

Management Systems - The systems; structures; skills that will help you to understand the efficacy of the choices and the progress towards the capabilities are measured.

By focusing on outcomes and not activities you will be able to:

• Facilitate focus and alignment on the big picture
• Empower people
• Unlock innovation
• Enable accountability
• Develop you and you team's way of thinking