We must start by defining approach as addressing an issue in detail. When we focus on something in particular we try to study it and understand it in depth.
by Héctor R. Torres, PhD, MBA, CPP, CFE, CHS
A fraternal greeting from Puerto Rico to all colleagues and readers of this column. It is a pleasure to share again with you. In my previous writing we talked about the discipline of execution that for many companies and for us who work in Security has a lot of relevance.
Today we will talk about our approach to the business world as part of that discipline of execution. We can define an approach as addressing an issue in detail. When we focus on something in particular we try to study it and understand it in depth.
The main problem with our approach is that we don't have the time to devote to in-depth study. This is because the agenda is to do multiple tasks at the same time or what is known as multi-tasking because we understand that we are more productive.
However, we often end up producing mediocrely because we actually want to achieve many priorities instead of carrying out the real priorities.
The real priorities
When we talk about the real priorities we first have to define the concept. True priorities are those priorities that are absolutely necessary to realize for the success of our company or our functions.
But with so many important priorities, what are those real priorities? It is simply a matter of focus or understanding that first things first.
When we develop our strategic business plans or when we draw up a plan to organize our security functions, we set those priorities that are absolutely necessary and paramount. They are those priorities that define the achievement of our goals.
Priorities that are primary and those that are secondary are identified. To do this we must separate the time to make an analysis that helps us identify those true priorities. Emperor Augustus used to exhort his servants by telling them to "hurry up slowly."
What is worthwhile and what helps us achieve success sometimes requires the time for analysis. Not taking the time to identify the real priorities can lead us down an incorrect tangent and failure.
Focus on execution
In the last column we talked about execution and defined it as the realization of a thing or the fulfillment of a project, commission or order. We emphasize that all execution has to be based on an imperative purpose, a purpose that really moves the members of the organization.
Without an imperative purpose there is no execution, and if there is, it is half-execution. To achieve this imperative execution, it must be based on real priorities.
Without the identification of the true priorities we run the risk of executing on multiple tangents instead of executing those priorities that make the goals of the organization or our functions fulfill.
If we do these we waste time, waste our resources unnecessarily, and fail to achieve our goals. We become entangled in a whirlwind of dealing with daily problems and realizing unfocused priorities that destroy our purpose, our goals, and our reason for being.
If there is something that can spoil our efforts to meet organizational goals or our managerial functions, it is the lack of true priorities.
In conclusion
True priorities are the basis of every collective or individual effort. There is nothing more demoralizing for the employees of an organization than wasting time carrying out priorities that really do not contribute anything.
Decisive execution, whether to meet organizational goals or those of our functions, cannot be achieved until those true priorities are identified. It is easier to achieve our goals if they are based on true priorities.
Therefore, it is worth a lot of time to identify those true priorities that will lead us to success. The challenge of executing with a purpose is based on this premise. It's simply a matter of focus!
I invite you to continue to share your ideas and concerns from the world and security management.
A hug and see you next time!
* If you wish you can write to the author of this article by email: [email protected]
