In 2008, I was designing advertising products at Google. For the first time in my young career, I was going to lots of meetings, and my job had become as much about convincing, cajoling, and coordinating as it was about designing. My manager told me about a team that was working on the Google Help Forum. They needed a designer, and he thought the project was a good way for me to try my hand at a consumer-facing product. The project itself was unremarkable apart from one feature: my work had to be approved by Marissa Mayer.
To Get More Done, Focus on Environment, Expectations, and Examples
Make thoughtful, deliberate choices.
November 19, 2018
Summary.
Managers and executives have a huge effect on how employees spend their time. One comment in a meeting or quick email can drastically sway a schedule, and even ruin a weekend. But when leaders are deliberate and thoughtful with their choices, they can create opportunities and time for their teams to do valuable work. To master the art of making intentional choices, leaders should focus on three things: the work environment they create, the expectations they have, and the examples they set through their choices and actions.
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Practical ways to improve your decision-making process.
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New!
HBR Learning
Decision Making Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Decision Making. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Practical ways to improve your decision-making process.