Up: [[Intentions]]
Created: 2023-06-13
Updated: 2026-01-18
The problem isn’t coming up with strategy (something important). It is executing it in the middle of the whirlwind (urgency).
Have to use all four disciplines. It’s a system, not a menu of choices.
# 1. Focus on the Wildly Important
DISCIPLINE OF FOCUS
Law of Diminished Returns on Number of Goals
2-3 goals = 2-3 goals achieved with excellence
4-10 goals = 1-2 goals
11-20 goals = 0 goals
The more you try to do, the less you accomplish. No multitasking!
Don’t ask, “What’s most important?” Ask, “If every other area remained at its current level of performance, what is the one area where change would have the greatest impact?”
Steve Jobs — *I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what we do.*
# 2. Act on Lead Measures
DISCIPLINE OF LEVERAGE
**Lag measures** are the ones you pray over. Have already happened. Can’t fix. Measures the goal or a result
Examples: pounds lost; car breakdown; customer satisfaction; plane crash.
**Lead measures** are the [[Vital Behaviours]] you must do to reach your goal.
They’re what drives success of the lag measures.
Good lead measures are **predictive of achieving the goal**, and **influenceable by you.**
Examples: Setting and tracking calorie limit, hours of exercise; routine car maintenance; number of out of stocks; preflight checklist
# 3. Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
DISCIPLINE OF ENGAGEMENT
You play differently when you keep score.
Visual scoreboard where you can determine in five seconds or less if you are winning or losing.
Has to be simple, seen easily, show lag and lead (lets you see the bet play out), tell at a glance if winning or losing
# 4. Create a Cadence of Accountability
DISCIPLINE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
In a team, hold each other accountable for producing results. Weekly 20-30 minute meeting
Each person creates own commitment. Has to be for a specific result, can’t be “focus on” or “work on”
Example — I committed to make a personal call to three customers who gave us lower scores. I did and here’s what I learned.
Resolve problems and make new commitment in each meeting.
> [!User] Source
> *The Four Disciplines of Execution* by [Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling](http://wesleyboardresources.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/The-Four-Disciplines-of-Execution-Book-Overview.pdf)