Productivity Coach’s Corner: 3 Questions to Answer in a Year

A year is enough time to see significant change happen, while short enough to keep your focus on the distinct prizes ahead.

Leaders in learning constantly question. They question their process. They question their systems. They question themselves. As you make your mark as an effective and efficient learning professional, here are three questions you must ask yourself. Each is designed to push your focus out at least 12 months into the future.

What am I consuming? 
Consider the books you’ve downloaded, the magazines you’re subscribed to, the conferences you’re registered to attend, and the meetings you have committed to over the next month or so.

Who do I spend time with? 
On a blank piece of paper, write down the five people you’ve spent the most time with over the last 24 hours. Then do some analysis. Start with “how they made you feel.” Then write down the topics you discussed. Identify any next steps to take. Finally, ask yourself, “Is there value in spending more time with them?

Who is a role model? 
There must be someone you can bring to mind who helps you think…better. Reach out to them with a request to meet monthly for at least six months. Then prepare a few topics of discussion to bring to the table when you see them.

A year is enough time to see significant change happen, while short enough to keep your focus on the distinct prizes ahead. Consider bringing your team together to share a dialogue focused on the short-term changes you see coming over that time frame.

Dr. Jason Womack
Dr. Jason ‘JW' Womack is currently an instructor at Air University's Leadership Development Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He is a Nationally Board-Certified Coach (BCC), co-author of "Get Momentum: How to Start When You're Stuck," and author of "Your Best Just Got Better: Think Bigger, Work Smarter, Make More."