Sweat the Small Stuff

Top 5 things to excel at

I read an excellent little book many years ago called, ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff,’ by Richard Carlson. Sadly, I think he has since passed away. The idea behind the book was to suggest that we all spend too much time worrying about things which have happened or may happen, but which are not as big or important as we might think at the time. It was designed to help people deal with the stresses and strains of life, training the mind to look ahead rather than dwelling on the past. It’s very good and I’d recommend it to anyone.

However, I’d like to suggest a different and not contradictory idea, do sweat the small stuff, just a different kind of small stuff.

In the course of a long career, both as a client and advisor, I’ve noticed that people who pay attention to these things in a business context tend to be very effective. What kind of things? Well, the small disciplines which suggest professionalism and efficiency, an attractive level of emotional intelligence and which are liable to create a good impression. Here’s my top 5 small things to excel at:

One

Do what you say you will do. If you make a commitment, whether to deliver on an objective, follow through on a strategic action plan, demonstrate the right kind of behaviours or even turn up on time, do it. Nothing works faster to undermine your personal credibility than not doing what you say you will.

Two

Listen before you speak. The business world is full of good talkers, but good listeners tend to be thinner on the ground. A good listener gains an unfair advantage. Listen attentively, which will allow you to assess the situation and speak more effectively and persuasively when you do. Listening with genuine interest to the ideas of others is an effective way to engage, build empathy and also, perhaps counter intuitively, get on the front foot.

Three

Create positive energy. Speak and act positively. There is enough negativity about, and it tends to worry people. Be honest, be realistic but work at exuding confidence and energy, which you will quickly find is contagious. It takes practice; over time it becomes a good habit.

Four

Follow up fast. Nothing is more impressive in business, so if you chair a meeting, have a one-on-one, or meet someone at a conference you would like to add to your network, follow up smartly. People have short attention spans so will quickly move on to the next consuming thing after your interaction. Follow up efficiently and then follow through by doing what you said you would do.

Five

Build relationships. In my experience, relationship capital is the most asset class in business. It’s an intangible asset, so difficult to measure which makes it more difficult to track than other assets but has the big advantage that it accrues over time with the right interventions. Reciprocity is a valuable aspect of the relationship capital equation.